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| Something about doping. That's all I hear and see here. |
I don't care.
I used to be quite enamored of le Tour years ago. I watched enthralled as Pantani beat the pants off of Big Mig on some storied climb. I was enthusiastically buoyed when a young Texan won a rainy stage in 1999 and went on to win it all. It was a hopeful sign of an American presence not seen since Greg leMond's victories in the late 80's/early 90's.
But the huge mess in '98 wasn't the end of doping as everyone stated it would be. It kept on going, and going, and....... I finally just gave up any hope that any of what I once held so dear was even real. What's more, it became painfully evident that the money in it all was ruling the day. Why would the manufacturers, sponsors, and advertisers want it to be "cleaned up" while they were "cleaning up" the way that it was?
Answer- They weren't interested in "clean sport". Not if it meant "less money", which everyone seems to think it would.
Oh well. Whatever! This is the last time I'll be saying anything about this year's goings on in France.
Amen to that!
ReplyDeleteI suspect drugs have already infiltrated some big gravel events. They've even showed up in some Grand Fondos ffs!
ReplyDelete@Al oh for sure. My friend quit his softball league because too many people were juicing. I guess being sponsored by a suburban bar and grill really puts on the pressure to win.
ReplyDeleteToo many people put winning above morals and being good role models. I am sick of it from football to cycling. As far as gravel events go, to me racing defeats the purpose. Slow down and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteAs luck would have it this summer finds us in a small French town that Le Tour will pass through. I shall put cynicism aside and revel in the spectacle! There are still forces that are committed to cleaning up professional cycling, but anytime that money and/or prestige is on the line is an opportunity for humans to cheat.......
ReplyDelete@Steve I agree with you 100%. Back when we used to race stock cars, we pushed the limit with a Holley carburetor that was not illegal but it was in the "gray" area. People cheat to win all the time. The thing that irks me about any sport involving the human body and cheating is that nobody ever ran the risk of getting a blood born disease by running illegal shock absorbers or even a seat tube motor lol. It bothers me that people introduce such unhealthy risks to themselves and encourage others to do it for winning. Cheating is still cheating. I just have less tolerance for cheating that involves modifying the human body. This is only my personal opinion. Enjoy the show! Never been to France but I bet it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteRegards
If you cheat, you might come first but you sure won't WIN!
ReplyDelete