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Originally Posted by scaeagles
Perhaps I haven't been in tune enough with any outrage directed at the two cyclists kicked out this year. All I know is that there seemingly genuine hatred of Armstrong that has been well publicized. I just can imagine all the years of unproven accusations against Armstrong coming to a huge head on the part of those who despise Armstrong even if they are proven to be nothing.
They may very well be something.
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There have been MANY cyclists kicked out of the Tour over the years. There were 7 this year and 9 in 1998 (the entire Festina team, if I remember correctly). I don't know if any if those removed are Americans, but none of the big names were American.
Armstrong has been under scrutiny for a while and, recent eye-witness testimony from Bobby Julich's wife of Armstrongs performance-enhancing drug use haven't helped matters. It hasn't helped that cycling is getting a reputation for excessive drug use - and the rep is not unfounded.
Armstrong's 7 consecutuve wins of Le Tour is a first and I'm not surprised there is suspicion of drug use, although I don't believe he would risk his life in that way after recovering from cancer.