For the past seven years, the French sports magazine L’Equipe has hounded Lance Armstrong. After the doping scandals of 1998, L’Equipe couldn’t believe that an American athlete could win its beloved Tour de France without resorting to artificial means. So for the last seven years, individuals and groups within French cycling have assumed that Lance was guilty. And these groups have continually sought evidence of Lance’s guilt. So much for the “innocent until proven guilty” hallmark of American justice. L’Equipe has resorted to the Napoleonic code and assumed that Lance was guilty until he proved himself innocent.

Well, L’Equipe has attacked Lance once again. Yesterday, L’Equipe unleashed one of the most dastardly attacks ever. And today, Jean-Marie Leblanc, the director of the Tour de France, has joined in on the criticism. They have chosen to thaw out urine samples from 1999. And they have used these samples to “prove” that Lance was guilty of doping. But rather than jump to conclusions, let’s start with the facts.

• These samples are over seven years old. No one knows if blood samples stored this long deteriorate over time or not. Indeed, there is no empirical proof that urine frozen for seven years could prove anything.
• Dr. Christiane Ayotte, the director of Canada’s official anti-doping lab has publicly criticized the scientific methods employed by the LNDD (the French national doping lab). She stated, ““We are extremely surprised that urine samples could have been tested in 2004 and have revealed the presence of EPO,” Ayotte said in an interview with VeloNews on Tuesday. “EPO – in its natural state or the synthesized version – is not stable in urine, even if stored at minus 20 degrees.” [Note: A detailed discussion of Dr. Ayotte’s comments can be read at VeloNews.]
• There is no evidence to ensure that the samples were even from Lance Armstrong.
• Each of these samples is one half of the samples taken at race time. The normal procedure is to take the first half (the “A” sample) and test it for doping. In 1999, nothing was found in Mr. Amrstrong’s “A” sample. Of course, it is important to note that there was no good test for EPO at that time. So this is an interesting effort to test whether new EPO tests work well. But back to the process… If the first “A” sample finds anomalies, then the second sample (the “B” sample) is tested to confirm the results. In this case, L’Equipe has used only the “B” sample. So there is no way to validate or invalidate the results of the test. Using today’s testing techniques, this “evidence” is completely specious because there is no “control” in the test – and there is no way to double-check the results. Indeed, if the sample had been taken from a current race, it could never prove guilt (or innocense) as the result could never be confirmed.

Miguel Indurain, former five-time TdF champion had this to say: “That seems bizarre, and I don’t know who would have the authorization to do it,…. I don’t even know if it’s legal to keep these samples.” The French Sports Minister (Jean-Francois Lamour) had this to say about the L’Equipe story: “I do not confirm it,” he told RTL radio. But he added: “If what L’Equipe says is true, I can tell you that it’s a serious blow for cycling.” Indeed, this is a horrible accusation for the entire sport.

So why would L’Equipe use these samples? No one will ever know for sure. They contend that they were searching for samples to test as part of a process to verify the success of new EPO screening techniques. But many other “samples” (including recent blood samples from countless atheletes) could have been used to test new EPO detection techniques. And why would they perform these results now? Good EPO tests have existed since 2001. So if they had doubts about Lance’s blood content, why did they wait an additional four years to lodge these complaints.

In truth, the only reason that they would specifically choose these samples and specifically break all testing protocols would be to continue their vendetta against Mr. Armstrong. Why do this? Who knows. I’m sure it sells newspapers. And I’m sure it heartens some people to think that the only reason that an American succeeded at the Tour was by exploiting illict means.

But what they have done is far worse than simple slander. They are fundamentally challenging the proposition that people are innocent until proven guilty. And they are fundamentally assailing the notion that grit and determination can make heroes from everyday people. Lance has been a hero to millions of people suffering from illness. He is seen as the personification of the willpower needed to conquer deadly challenges. It’s too bad that a number of bitter and cynical people feel compelled to vandalize a great story by hurling unsubstantiated, malicious and libelous accusations.

-CyclingRoo-

For the past seven years, the French sports magazine L’Equipe has hounded Lance Armstrong. After the doping scandals of 1998, L’Equipe couldn’t believe that an American athlete could win its beloved Tour de France without resorting to artificial means. So for the last seven years, individuals and groups within French cycling have assumed that Lance was guilty. And these groups have continually sought evidence of Lance’s guilt. So much for the “innocent until proven guilty” hallmark of American justice. L’Equipe has resorted to the Napoleonic code and assumed that Lance was guilty until he proved himself innocent.
Well, L’Equipe has attacked Lance once again. Yesterday, L’Equipe unleashed one of the most dastardly attacks ever. And today, Jean-Marie Leblanc, the director of the Tour de France, has joined in on the criticism. They have chosen to thaw out urine samples from 1999. And they have used these samples to “prove” that Lance was guilty of doping. But rather than jump to conclusions, let’s start with the facts.

• These samples are over seven years old. No one knows if blood samples stored this long deteriorate over time or not. Indeed, there is no empirical proof that urine frozen for seven years could prove anything.
• Dr. Christiane Ayotte, the director of Canada’s official anti-doping lab has publicly criticized the scientific methods employed by the LNDD (the French national doping lab). She stated, ““We are extremely surprised that urine samples could have been tested in 2004 and have revealed the presence of EPO,” Ayotte said in an interview with VeloNews on Tuesday. “EPO – in its natural state or the synthesized version – is not stable in urine, even if stored at minus 20 degrees.” [Note: A detailed discussion of Dr. Ayotte’s comments can be read at VeloNews.]
• There is no evidence to ensure that the samples were even from Lance Armstrong.
• Each of these samples is one half of the samples taken at race time. The normal procedure is to take the first half (the “A” sample) and test it for doping. In 1999, nothing was found in Mr. Amrstrong’s “A” sample. Of course, it is important to note that there was no good test for EPO at that time. So this is an interesting effort to test whether new EPO tests work well. But back to the process… If the first “A” sample finds anomalies, then the second sample (the “B” sample) is tested to confirm the results. In this case, L’Equipe has used only the “B” sample. So there is no way to validate or invalidate the results of the test. Using today’s testing techniques, this “evidence” is completely specious because there is no “control” in the test – and there is no way to double-check the results. Indeed, if the sample had been taken from a current race, it could never prove guilt (or innocense) as the result could never be confirmed.

Miguel Indurain, former five-time TdF champion had this to say: “That seems bizarre, and I don’t know who would have the authorization to do it,…. I don’t even know if it’s legal to keep these samples.” The French Sports Minister (Jean-Francois Lamour) had this to say about the L’Equipe story: “I do not confirm it,” he told RTL radio. But he added: “If what L’Equipe says is true, I can tell you that it’s a serious blow for cycling.” Indeed, this is a horrible accusation for the entire sport.
So why would L’Equipe use these samples? No one will ever know for sure. They contend that they were searching for samples to test as part of a process to verify the success of new EPO screening techniques. But many other “samples” (including recent blood samples from countless atheletes) could have been used to test new EPO detection techniques. And why would they perform these results now? Good EPO tests have existed since 2001. So if they had doubts about Lance’s blood content, why did they wait an additional four years to lodge these complaints.
In truth, the only reason that they would specifically choose these samples and specifically break all testing protocols would be to continue their vendetta against Mr. Armstrong. Why do this? Who knows. I’m sure it sells newspapers. And I’m sure it heartens some people to think that the only reason that an American succeeded at the Tour was by exploiting illict means.
But what they have done is far worse than simple slander. They are fundamentally challenging the proposition that people are innocent until proven guilty. And they are fundamentally assailing the notion that grit and determination can make heroes from everyday people. Lance has been a hero to millions of people suffering from illness. He is seen as the personification of the willpower needed to conquer deadly challenges. It’s too bad that a number of bitter and cynical people feel compelled to vandalize a great story by hurling unsubstantiated, malicious and libelous accusations.
-CyclingRoo-

Last night, I watched a very special OLN interview. The OLN Tour de France commentators interviewed Lance Armstrong. This time, the interview was a farewell to the champion. As I watched the interview, I was struck by how much Lance has accomplshed – for himself, for his team, for his nation, for American cyclists and for cancer survivors worldwide.
I knew I would not be able to recount all of Lance’s accomplishments in his fourteen-year pro career. Fortunately, CyclingNews has put it all together here. Please take the time to read this summary. It is a stunning history delivered in very short order.
But while Lance’s professional accomplishments can be listed in his palmares, his real accomplishments can never be fully listed. Lance has given hope to people who are struggling to endure. While he can never take responsibility for the personal victories other’s have experienced, he can take pride in the fact that many people have used his example as a “seed of hope” that they can cling to. For me, i remember to persevere in my struggles just as Lance would persevere on every mountainside. For many, Lance has given them the tangibile demonstration of victory with which they can fight debilitating and hopeless medical situations.
While there are many memories I will cherish, I will forever be moved by Lance Armstrong and his victory at Luz-Ardiden in 2003. I will always remember him falling at the hand’s of a spectator. He could have lost the Tour at that very point. But he got up, he got on his bike, and he worked even harder. Man, I want that to be an example I follow whenever I falter. I want to be known as a man who puts failure (self-induced or otherwise) where it belongs – back in the past. Future victories depend upon barring misteps and pratfalls from taking center stage; future victories depend upon what you will do (and will to do), not what you failed to do in the past.
Lance, good luck in your future endeavors. And thank you for leaving the cycling stage as a paramount winner – not as a bitter and wasted former winner. You have cemented your legacy by exiting with grace. Bon chance, Monsieur Armstrong.
-CyclingRoo-

BBC Sports has published a very good article discussing who the next great cycling star might be. While their best odds go to Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich (5-2 and 7-2, respectively), it was nice to see some of the other names being tipped. In particular, I was glad to see Yaroslav Popovych make the list.
The most interesting bit can be found in the “Did You Know?” section for Popovych. In particular, the author notes that Vino was courted by Discovery – until Popo demonstrated outstanding form in the Alps. I guess everyone was impressed with his attack on the Courchevel.
One thing is for certain, Vinokourov will be in the hunt for a podium spot in Paris. But he won’t be riding for T-Mobile. Today, he announced that he will join Roberto Heras and Liberty Seguros starting in 2006. This should make things very interesting for Liberty Seguros. Vino is a very strong-willed competitor. I wonder if he will be able to accept the current team dynamic or whether he may assert his own leadership. In any event, Liberty Seguros should have an extremely strong team next July.
-CyclingRoo-

I just love Robbie McEwen. He is a fighter. And he has a hell of a good sense of humor. Robbie was poised to fight it out for the green jersey on the Champs Elysees. He didn’t get his chance. Thor Hushovd chose to let Vino attack – and squander the chances for a sprint finish. But Robbie doesn’t regret it one bit. When he thought about the low point of the Tour, he lamented about the poor taste of some of the spectators. He stated, “I have never seen so many bare arses in my life.” Well, that’s vintage Robbie. Robbie’s complete interview can be found at the BBC Sports / Cycling site.
With all the “Lance and his place in history” stories, I sure am glad to see a light-hearted story about someone who just loves to ride his bike.
-CyclingRoo-

I just love Robbie McEwen. He is a fighter. And he has a hell of a good sense of humor. Robbie was poised to fight it out for the green jersey on the Champs Elysees. He didn’t get his chance. Thor Hushovd chose to let Vino attack – and squander the chances for a sprint finish. But Robbie doesn’t regret it one bit. When he thought about the low point of the Tour, he lamented about the poor taste of some of the spectators. He stated, “I have never seen so many bare arses in my life.” Well, that’s vintage Robbie. Robbie’s complete interview can be found at the BBC Sports / Cycling site.

With all the “Lance and his place in history” stories, I sure am glad to see a light-hearted story about someone who just loves to ride his bike.

-CyclingRoo-

It has taken me four hours to get up the courage to write today’s post. And I fear that I will never have the words that are sufficient to describe what has happened today. So I’ll start with the facts:
– Lance has won his seventh – and last – Tour de France. Mr. Armstrong now has a few days of rest before he starts his next career. I pray that he will have as much success with his next endeavors that he has had with cycling.
– Lance was joined by his family on the podium. What a wonderful way to say goodbye. And what a great thing for his kids. Maybe Luke will remember this some day. I certainly pray that Lance can give his children the love and care that they so richly deserve. At the same time, I pray that they will show him the kind of love that only children can show. Teammates and sponsors want wins. Cancer survivors want a “slice of hope” to draw upon. But kids want time. They will repay every smile with a hug. And they will warm your heart on the coldest of days. May Lance truly experience the love of being a Dad to his kids. It’s an even tougher job than riding around France for three weeks – seven times in a row. But the rewards are found in a different kind of yellow. Kids will hand their moms a bunch of dandelions and Mom will treasure them as jewels. Lance, I pray you are thrilled whenever you skip stones with your children. And I pray you can remember your arithmetic so you can help them when they stumble.
– Lance was also joined by his rivals and friends. With Ivan and Jan on the podium, it must have made the day so wonderfully sweet for Lance. I sure hope that both Jan and Ivan will be batttling for the maillot jaune next July.
– Alexandre Vinokourov won today’s stage on the Champs Elysees. It was a magnificient strategy and it paid off handsomely. Not only did Alexandre take the stage, but because of the time bonuses that were awarded, he nudge into fifth place in the overall standings.
– Levi Leipheimer was nudged out of fifth place. It’s too bad. He fought to stay even with Vino at the first intermediate sprint of the day. Vino took irst, Levi took second. That meant that Levi was ahead by less than a second. And the Tour organizers suspended the remaining time bonuses on the Champs Elysees because of inclement weather. So Levi eased off and enjoyed the final laps around Paris. But Levi didn’t know that a time bonus would be awarded to the stage winner. If he did, you know that Gerolsteiner would have covered Vino’s final attack. Man, it’s too bad that Levi had to lose like this. Both men deserve tremndous praise for their accomplishments in the Tour.
– I am sure that there are a lot of people that are a bit upset about what happened with Vino. Not only did he spoil Levi’s party, he spoiled the party for everyone else who had a chance to beat Thor Hushovd. Boy, I hope Vino has a new contract lined up because he may have burned some bridges today.
But in the end, Lance had the simple and sufficient words to meet this occasion. He was given the unique opportunity to address the crowd. And his words were somewhat stumbling. But his last words were the best. “Vive le Tour. Forever.”
I can’t wait until next year. But until then, we still have the Vuelta!
-CyclingRoo-