Paul Kimmage writing in the Times produces some devastating statistics about doping in the peloton, collected by the journalist Ballester:
“Would you believe that 85% of the winners since 1968 have, at one point or other, contravened the antidoping rules? Would you believe that 72.5% of those who stood on the podium have cheated? What about the top-tens? Sixty per cent sound right? The damage to the credibility of the race has been irreparable “
A recent survey (of a thousand French citizens) on their attitudes to the Tour show levels of cynicism are rife:
- Doping has destroyed everything, I feel betrayed: 90%
- Because of doping, I no longer believe in the results of the Tour de France: 85%
- All top-level cyclists are doped: 69%
Source: Times – doping
The last figure: All top-level cyclists are doped: 69% is perhaps the most depressing. I really feel there are top-level cyclists who are not taking dope, but, a wary public has stopped trusting. The cheats have hurt the image of everyone; it must be hard for the riders who are trying to be clean
The last decade has produced an unending stream of drug scandals. They have proved the allegations of the early ‘whilsteblowers’ were absolutely true. Unfortunately people within the cycling authorities were generally dismissive of people like Paul Kimmage, when they made their relevations. Yet, it seems things are just as bad as many knew, but, were reluctant to admit.
A Fresh Start for Cycling?
I am always wary of ‘fresh starts’ for cycling. We seem to have had a ‘fresh start’ almost every year since the Festina scandal of 1998. The truth is that the Festina scandal was an eyeopener to the extent of doping in the peleton, but, it led to no effective action. – even the worst perpetrators like Richard Virenque were back racing after only the most punitive sanctions of a 12 month ban. It was almost as if the only mistake of Festina was to get caught. Top riders still went to see the notorious doctors with a long history of helping riders to dop. At the time, too many were happy to believe that the top pros were paying 200,000 euros just to learn how to get the optimal pedalling cadence. When people spoke up about the level of doping they were pressured into leaving the sport. If there was one thing Pro cycling couldn’t stand it was the ‘whistle blower’ who spoke about doping. But, maybe now things are really starting to change?
Why I Am Optimistic About the Future of Professional Cycling
Despite many reasons to be pessimistic about pro cyling, I am actually guardedly optimistic.
People realise you can’t just hope to sweep it under the carpet.
The odd incident like one failed dope test, can be blamed on a rogue cyclist. But, when there is an unrelenting stream of doping irregularities, cycling becomes a laughing stock. It has forced the cycling authorities to change their attitude; they realised that doping was going to lead to an exodus of sponsors. Finally money was encouraging people to stop doping, rather than the other way round of sponsors wanting ‘results at any price.’
Testing is More Proactive.
Cycling is probably one of the most tested sports with an increase in both competition and out of competition testing.
There is more of A Desire to get rid of dopers.
The ASO (organisers of the Tour de France) have been criticised for picking on Astana and excluding them from the Tour. However, it reflects a desire to present cycling with a clean image and to prevent it been clouded by people /teams under suspicion. It is why in 2007, riders such as Basso and Ulrich were excluded before the start. It is why Tom Boonen was excluded after testing positive for cocaine use this year.
People are saying the right things.
From watching procycling for other a decade, I feel you can always learn alot from how people talk about doping. If people are sincere in trying to stop doping, you can pick up on this in the kind of things that they are saying. There are teams and riders who are happy to talk about doping in a sensible way. I feel some teams are very serious about trying to stop doping and would implement internal sanctions. This is the key. You can’t rely on extenal dope test, there needs to be a change in culture. And, however slowly, this is starting to occur.
Call me a hopeless optimist; after all, I was probably optimistic about pro cycling in 2002, 2004, 2006. But, I sincerely feel that there are more clean riders now, than ever before. I wouldn’t want to try and say which % are clean. But, I think there has been a shift in attitude of organisers and teams, which is essential.
Let’s hope this year’s tour can provide a worthy champion and people will be writing about the cycling and not the side issues of doping.
Related
I don’t know the answer to the following question, and it bothers me.
What is the difference between trying to gain a competitive edge through doping and trying to gain a competitive edge by using better equipment?
Contador beating world champion time triallists, thats a first for any climber!
And the riders who aren’t doping keeping up with the ones who are?
You cant beat an amateur rider working full time and racing at his best!
With now Fignon saying his cancer is connected to his taking substances when riding, who really is left that is or was clean?..Hinault is the only one, and Lemond, who both claim they were clean, bit Pro Cyclings honesty is not exactly in good shape! All my heroes have gone. Cycling in the 80′s and part of the 90′s I was in awe of all those guys but they were having a laugh at my expense rushing home from having an evening ride (used to take my bike and kit to work and change and ride straight from my workplace) to watch them on TV…waste of bloody time. I would go so far to say I was bnetter than them…I was not on anything.
even when Indurain recorded a heartbeat at rest of 28, I thought **** off! no way! I think he was on the bloody lot, beating his rivals in time trials by 3, 6, 9 mins?? get outta here! even I was not that stupid at the time! he has never commented on any Dope scandals has he? NO! Silent Spaniard! well thats my rant..rest in pieces Pro Cycling
I think optimism is better than pessimism, even if later you become disappointed. Certainly the recent history of pro cycling is unfortunate to say the least. But, I do feel an increasing number of riders are trying to be sincere.
Tejvan
I applaud your optimism, especially at the start of another new dawn. However I feel it needs to be tempered with a little dose of realism.
Yes Ballester claims 85% of post ’68 winners have contravened doping rules. I suspect that does not include riders like Delgado, who days before winning in ’88 was found to have taken a drug banned from ’89 onwards. And I expect you will find that what remains of the other 15% are highly litigious.
Speaking of whom, of those who joined LA7 on the podium, only Zulle(Festina’98), Escartin and Kloden(sometime team mate of Ullrich,Basso & Vinokourov) MAY have been clean.
I suspect the majority of fans, watch and enjoy the event, fantasing about being in the race. Cheats never win, at least not in my dreams. I can’t wait.