Ulrich Kicked out of Tour

[Not Afraid]

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.

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.