Lance Armstrong..

[Dismagic1]

I feel bad for this guy. It's like a never ending thing about constant allegations about steroid use eventhough dude has passed every single test. I know people can get around that but that's not Lance's problem.

Is this guy gonna have to deal with jealous people accusing him for the rest of his life? Seriously.. it's a joke.

 

[kirbsam]

you believe oj is innocent???

 

[suzanna1066@comcast.]

I don't feel sorry for him. He wins tons of titles cleanly in a sport rife with doping? Sorry, he isn't superman.

The sport of cycling really needs to clean itself up.

 

[Dismagic1]

Wow! What happened till "innocent until proven guilty?"

Dude has passed every drug test and there is no evidence against the man.

 

[RitaZ.]

you believe oj is innocent???

 

[Dismagic1]

you believe oj is innocent???

What does OJ have to do with Lance?

 

[freckles and boo]

I have a hard time mustering much sympathy for Lance Armstrong. By most accounts the guy is a jerk.

 

[handinpocket]

He hasn't been proved guilty of anything, passed all tests. I admire Lance Armstrong. Hookairs what anyone else thinks, he can laugh all the way to the bank!

 

[mandylo]

He seems like a total jerk to me for some reason.

 

[FireDancer]

Cycling is a sport with a doping problem, but it is also the sport that tests the most. Lance was tested more then any other athlete the 7 years he won the tour and has never failed a test. Is that proof he never doped (probably EPO or blood doping, not steroids)? Of course not. Does it make it unlikely? Yes. Cycling is not afraid to suspend even the biggest names when they are caught so they wouldn't hide positive tests for Lance. Further, he was hated by ASO and they would have liked nothing better then to have removed him from any of his wins.

His rivals were caught doping trying to beat him (Operación Puerto) and he still wiped the floor with them for 7 years and came out of retirement to podium. If he can podium at his age, after 4 years off, without proper pre-tour preparation because of the accident and broken collarbone, and supporting his team mate is it that much of a stretch that while in his prime he won them clean? Oh, and all this after nearly dying because of cancer. Having a second chance at life is great motivation and he has stated many times that without that motivation he would most likely have never put in the effort needed to win once let alone seven times.

Why would we believe someone who spent 4 years lying to the entire world and wrote a book pleading his innocence only to admit he lied the whole time? He also solicited donations from fans to fight the allegations and suspension that were, in the end, completely justified.

Unlike baseball where rampant drug use was ignored and positive drug tests swept under the rug (A-Rod anyone) cycling at least addresses the problem. Michael Rasmussen was removed from the TdF and fired from his team for merely lying about his ware-abouts while training because it was seen as a ploy to avoid out of season testing, and he never even failed a test.

 

[handinpocket]

Cycling is a sport with a doping problem, but it is also the sport that tests the most. Lance was tested more then any other athlete the 7 years he won the tour and has never failed a test. Is that proof he never doped (probably EPO or blood doping, not steroids)? Of course not. Does it make it unlikely? Yes. Cycling is not afraid to suspend even the biggest names when they are caught so they wouldn't hide positive tests for Lance. Further, he was hated by ASO and they would have liked nothing better then to have removed him from any of his wins.

His rivals were caught doping trying to beat him (Operación Puerto) and he still wiped the floor with him for 7 years and came out of retirement to podium. If he can podium at his age, after 4 years off, without proper pre-tour preparation because of the accident and broken collarbone, and supporting his team mate is it that much of a stretch that while in his prime he won them clean? Oh, and all this after nearly dying because of cancer. Having a second chance at life is great motivation and he has stated many times that without that motivation he would most likely have never put in the effort needed to win once let alone seven times.

Why would we believe someone who spent 4 years lying to the entire world and wrote a book pleading his innocence only to admit he lied the whole time? He also solicited donations from fans to fight the allegations and suspension that were, in the end, completely justified.

Unlike baseball where rampant drug use was ignored and positive drug tests swept under the rug (A-Rod anyone) cycling at least addresses the problem. Michael Rasmussen was removed from the TdF and fired from his team for merely lying about his ware-abouts while training because it was seen as a ploy to avoid out of season testing, and he never even failed a test.

Excellent post! Personally, I love Lance, he is an amazing athelete and makes America proud.

 

[Dismagic1]

Cycling is a sport with a doping problem, but it is also the sport that tests the most. Lance was tested more then any other athlete the 7 years he won the tour and has never failed a test. Is that proof he never doped (probably EPO or blood doping, not steroids)? Of course not. Does it make it unlikely? Yes. Cycling is not afraid to suspend even the biggest names when they are caught so they wouldn't hide positive tests for Lance. Further, he was hated by ASO and they would have liked nothing better then to have removed him from any of his wins.

His rivals were caught doping trying to beat him (Operación Puerto) and he still wiped the floor with him for 7 years and came out of retirement to podium. If he can podium at his age, after 4 years off, without proper pre-tour preparation because of the accident and broken collarbone, and supporting his team mate is it that much of a stretch that while in his prime he won them clean? Oh, and all this after nearly dying because of cancer. Having a second chance at life is great motivation and he has stated many times that without that motivation he would most likely have never put in the effort needed to win once let alone seven times.

Why would we believe someone who spent 4 years lying to the entire world and wrote a book pleading his innocence only to admit he lied the whole time? He also solicited donations from fans to fight the allegations and suspension that were, in the end, completely justified.

Unlike baseball where rampant drug use was ignored and positive drug tests swept under the rug (A-Rod anyone) cycling at least addresses the problem. Michael Rasmussen was removed from the TdF and fired from his team for merely lying about his ware-abouts while training because it was seen as a ploy to avoid out of season testing, and he never even failed a test.

Well said, thanks!

 

[Kit'smommy]

Cycling is a sport with a doping problem, but it is also the sport that tests the most. Lance was tested more then any other athlete the 7 years he won the tour and has never failed a test. Is that proof he never doped (probably EPO or blood doping, not steroids)? Of course not. Does it make it unlikely? Yes. Cycling is not afraid to suspend even the biggest names when they are caught so they wouldn't hide positive tests for Lance. Further, he was hated by ASO and they would have liked nothing better then to have removed him from any of his wins.

His rivals were caught doping trying to beat him (Operación Puerto) and he still wiped the floor with him for 7 years and came out of retirement to podium. If he can podium at his age, after 4 years off, without proper pre-tour preparation because of the accident and broken collarbone, and supporting his team mate is it that much of a stretch that while in his prime he won them clean? Oh, and all this after nearly dying because of cancer. Having a second chance at life is great motivation and he has stated many times that without that motivation he would most likely have never put in the effort needed to win once let alone seven times.

Why would we believe someone who spent 4 years lying to the entire world and wrote a book pleading his innocence only to admit he lied the whole time? He also solicited donations from fans to fight the allegations and suspension that were, in the end, completely justified.

Unlike baseball where rampant drug use was ignored and positive drug tests swept under the rug (A-Rod anyone) cycling at least addresses the problem. Michael Rasmussen was removed from the TdF and fired from his team for merely lying about his ware-abouts while training because it was seen as a ploy to avoid out of season testing, and he never even failed a test.

Excellent post.

I really don't know why anyone is even listening to Landis' allegations at this point. Sorry, but the man has zero credibility after the way he lied about his own actions.

As far as Lance's performance goes, he isn't superman. He just has spent most of his career focusing on winning the Tour de France. It is amazing what someone with natural ability combined with single minded focus can accomplish.

 

[Keli]

You know, Armstrong comes across negatively to me whenever I see or read interviews. I'm not a big fan of Armstrong or bike racing. But I've got to say that I don't see why anyone would give Landis' version of anything a second look. He's been discredited, IMHO.
Armstrong never had a dirty drug screen even when there were lots of race officials, in multiple countries, that would have loved it if he had. I just can't believe he's guilty until I see a better reason that Landis' accusations.

 

[1stluvispooh]

Cycling is a sport with a doping problem, but it is also the sport that tests the most. Lance was tested more then any other athlete the 7 years he won the tour and has never failed a test. Is that proof he never doped (probably EPO or blood doping, not steroids)? Of course not. Does it make it unlikely? Yes. Cycling is not afraid to suspend even the biggest names when they are caught so they wouldn't hide positive tests for Lance. Further, he was hated by ASO and they would have liked nothing better then to have removed him from any of his wins.

His rivals were caught doping trying to beat him (Operación Puerto) and he still wiped the floor with them for 7 years and came out of retirement to podium. If he can podium at his age, after 4 years off, without proper pre-tour preparation because of the accident and broken collarbone, and supporting his team mate is it that much of a stretch that while in his prime he won them clean? Oh, and all this after nearly dying because of cancer. Having a second chance at life is great motivation and he has stated many times that without that motivation he would most likely have never put in the effort needed to win once let alone seven times.

Why would we believe someone who spent 4 years lying to the entire world and wrote a book pleading his innocence only to admit he lied the whole time? He also solicited donations from fans to fight the allegations and suspension that were, in the end, completely justified.

Unlike baseball where rampant drug use was ignored and positive drug tests swept under the rug (A-Rod anyone) cycling at least addresses the problem. Michael Rasmussen was removed from the TdF and fired from his team for merely lying about his ware-abouts while training because it was seen as a ploy to avoid out of season testing, and he never even failed a test.

ITA, especially the bolded part!

I find it interesting that Landis is accusing all of the US elite cyclist and the director sportif of the top US team. Lets face it the US is the red headed step child of the sport of cycling. I think one should take a look at the management of the form Phonak team. If you recall Tyler Hamilton was found to be drugging when he was the team leader of Phonak as well. Makes me go uhm????

As for Lance being a jerk. Well yes I say was has been a jerk. Especially early in his career. ( I'm the first Lance Armstrong not the 2nd Greg La Mond) He was a 20 something with a major chip on his shoulder. Then he had cancer and mellowed a little except when he was in the TDF. I have to say that his 4 years of retirement has mellowed him tremendously. Do I think Lance never doped in his entire career. No. My felling is pre-cancer yes post cancer no. But that is just my opinion. If you check his tweets right before and right after TDF you will find out how much and when he gets test because he will tweet it. I love the 6:00 am one form last year and the baby had been up all night. Lance said something like I wasn't nice this morning and didn't even ask them if they wanted any coffee like I usually do.

 

[stevenpensacola]

I used to do quite a bit of cycling...so as a cyclist, I really do admire his cycling ability.

As far as the doping...I'm a little suspicious, but he has undergone rigorous testing...keeps passing the tests...so until he's proven guilty, I can't knock him.

I've read his books, and have read other biographies, stories about him. As a person, I really don't care for him.

 

[Disney Doll]

I used to do quite a bit of cycling...so as a cyclist, I really do admire his cycling ability.

As far as the doping...I'm a little suspicious, but he has undergone rigorous testing...keeps passing the tests...so until he's proven guilty, I can't knock him.

I've read his books, and have read other biographies, stories about him. As a person, I really don't care for him.

This is basically my feeling.

As a cyclist, there's none better.
He's been tested ad nauseum and turned out OK, so I can't accuse him of doping.

As a person, I'm less impressed with how he handles his personal life...not that he cares.

I do like that he started a charity.

So I guess what I am saying is that as long as I don't have to date or marry him, he's generally OK with me.

 

[FireDancer]

I find it interesting that Landis is accusing all of the US elite cyclist and the director sportif of the top US team. Lets face it the US is the red headed step child of the sport of cycling. I think one should take a look at the management of the form Phonak team. If you recall Tyler Hamilton was found to be drugging when he was the team leader of Phonak as well. Makes me go uhm????

How that has all changed however. With Team Sky coming on board, 3 US teams with Pro Licenses and a 4th with the World Champion, and Australians being World Champion and winning stage races the English speaking world is right now on the top rung of the cycling ladder.

The thing that makes Floyd's allegations even less likely is that he implicated an entire team and not just one person. Other then him no other member of that team has been found to have doped and when you combine all the tests run on George and the rest of the team in addition to Lances the odds of no one being caught are outlandish.

As for Lance's personal life, he is abrasive and has made some choices I wouldn't have made but I don't care. He did used to have a chip on his shoulder but I imagine that contributed to his dominance and might have been the mindset he needed to dig as deep as he did on days like July 17, 2001.

Outside of murder or child abuse I really don't care what athletes or any other celebrities do in their personal lives. If I were a Tiger Woods fan I wouldn't care who he sleeps with. If I were a David Letterman fan I wouldn't care if he had an affair. If I were a Lindsay Lohan fan I wouldn't care who (or what gender) she was dating. I don't get involved in the parts of celebrities lives that are private even if TMZ wants to make them public.

I'm a cyclist and involved a lot in Cancer charities and since Lance excels at both I am a fan. Outside of that he can do what he wants.

 

[foolishmortal]

Let me first state that I am NOT a cycling fan, but I am a huge sports fan, and the testing that some athletes go through is old methods, and the athletes that can afford to beat those methods do. it has been going on for decades.

Now think about this. Lance as probably made the most money therefore would have the most to lose, if he was doping he would be one of the first to use a method to beat any test.

My favorite sport is baseball, and I called every player that has now come out as using steroids way before they admitted it. It's not hard to see when you open your eyes. And 1 of my things is hey if you have cheat to gain an advantage thats your problem, but where did your advantage go when alot of the others are using also? this bring me to Lance. If it is widely known that cycling has a huge doping problem, how does Lance still get such a huge advantage when NOT using? its just one of those things where you have to open your eyes!I would not look down on lance for doping only because most everyone else was doing it as well so he really garnered no advantage from it.

So did Lance dope, I hope not, if it comes out later he did I would not be surprised.

 

[FireDancer]

Let me first state that I am NOT a cycling fan, but I am a huge sports fan, and the testing that some athletes go through is old methods, and the athletes that can afford to beat those methods do. it has been going on for decades.

Now think about this. Lance as probably made the most money therefore would have the most to lose, if he was doping he would be one of the first to use a method to beat any test.

My favorite sport is baseball, and I called every player that has now come out as using steroids way before they admitted it. It's not hard to see when you open your eyes. And 1 of my things is hey if you have cheat to gain an advantage thats your problem, but where did your advantage go when alot of the others are using also? this bring me to Lance. If it is widely known that cycling has a huge doping problem, how does Lance still get such a huge advantage when NOT using? its just one of those things where you have to open your eyes!I would not look down on lance for doping only because most everyone else was doing it as well so he really garnered no advantage from it.

So did Lance dope, I hope not, if it comes out later he did I would not be surprised.

Part of how Lance ,Alberto, either of he Schleck's, ect can win without doping is because the advantage the kind of doping gives you in cycling isn't the same as what steroids in baseball gives you. You get seconds of advantage and over a 3 week race those seconds can be countered by having the best team or best tactics. The years Lance was winning the tour no one was close to as good and even those that were competitive didn't have the teams behind them riding for a single goal...GC victory of a pre-determined rider.

Cycling has the most scientifically advanced testing of any sport. They retroactively re-test past samples once new tests are derived. There was a time when there was no test for EPO, but now there is. Of course there are ways to beat tests but people with budgets just as high as the Postal/Discovery Team using the most advanced methods available have been caught. Manolo Saiz had every bit as much money to dope as Johan Bruyneel and he was caught in two huge doping scandals (Puerto and Festina), both of which would pale in comparison to Postal/Discovery doping a whole team for 7 years. As the latest investigation before the Giro shows they also err on the side of caution and even when the doctors involved in interpreting biological passport fluctuations don't all agree that a test result is suspicious the rider is suspended pending the determination.

Maybe the whole team doped, but I think the odds are that they didn't not only because they passed every test that others with just as much knowledge didn't but because that many riders, directors, and doctors conspiring to commit sporting fraud would be found out.

The day it is proven that Lance or any other cyclist I like doped I will be the first one to stop supporting them and stop being fans. I am waiting for that positive test before distributing guilt though.