This is about the current flap involving Lance Armstrong and the French anti-doping authorities. Here is what happened:A few days ago, Lance Armstrong was approached by a French anti-doping agent, demanding that he undergo a spur-of-the-moment drug test. This occurred just as Lance rode in from a race or from a hard training ride (I forget which). Such surprise tests happen all the time, and that's good, because it's the best way to prevent cheating. Lance has had his share of drug tests - several hundred over the years, two dozen already this year alone! He has never refused or dragged his feet. Why should he, since he doesn't take illegal performance-enhancing drugs? After Armstrong verified that the agent was bona fide, he asked him if it was okay to first take a quick shower, since he was grundgy and sweaty from the race he had just finished. The agent authorized the shower and 20 minutes later Armstrong passed the test with flying colors, as he has all the hundreds of other ones, since he doesn't take illegal performance-enhancing drugs.
But then, the shit hit the fan anyway: The French anti-doping authorities declared that Armstrong should have remained in sight of the agent at all times prior to the test. He should not have left for 20 minutes to take a shower.
It is now likely that the French will forbid Armstrong from entering this year's Tour de France. I seems obvious to me that the French are desperately trying to find an excuse to keep Lance Armstrong out of the Tour de France. They have hated him for years. He is the greatest bicycle racer in history. His record of 7 Tour de France victories will never be broken, least of all by a man from France, a country whose bicycle skills have deteriorated a great deal in the past. I have been an enthusiastic road biker and an avid fan of the "Grande Boucle" for much of my life. In July every year, I am glued to the television for every stage of what I still consider the greatest sports event in the world. But if the French keep Lance out of this year's Tour, using their sordid shenanigans, I swear to you, I will boycott the Tour, and I urge you all to do likewise.leave comment here
