Congratulations to the cycling community. Your showcase is officially on the same level as the Summer Olympics and major league baseball’s home run derby…and I don’t mean that as a compliment!
Floyd Landis, the feel good story of this year’s Tour de France tested positive for increased levels of testosterone following the 17th stage of the race. For those who don’t remember, that’s the stage where Landis made a remarkable recovery from the previous day to put himself back into contention and set the stage for his victory.
Now to be fair, Landis denies cheating and test results of his backup sample could still clear him. In an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, the 30-year old American says elevated testosterone results are common among world class cyclists. He theorizes the results could be skewed because of cortisone shots he’s been taking for a bad hip that will soon require replacement. Landis has enlisted a noted Spanish doctor to help him prove his case.
The problem of course, is that the victory is already tainted. Even before the race, several top competitors were suspended because of doping concerns. How many others cheat and haven’t yet been caught? As in the Olympics and baseball, everyone who accomplishes something unexpected almost automatically falls under suspicion.
Is it fair to judge them so? Probably not. Then again, they have no one to blame but themselves and their peers. They’re the ones who helped create a culture of cheating that tarnishes almost everything good about their sport.
Anyone else as disappointed as I am at this news? Are you even surprised?
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