General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: A case based on jealousy and innuendo, the hounding of Lance Armstrong. [View all]sarisataka
(18,636 posts)he kicked my ass
I was in between the blood boosting and full EPO era. We knew many who did push the limits of what was 'legal' and those who crossed the line. Almost everyone was looking for an edge.
It is hard to believe that Armstrong could have beaten those riders as you point out BUT
some who rode against him, and though I never raced Armstrong I agree, had the opinion that pre-cancer he did not like to push himself to his limits. He would drop out of the Tour to 'save himself' for the World Championship, which he thought of as the greater prize. Post cancer he realizde that being WC did not carry the same prestige as a Tour winner. He went all out to to win the Tour.
Did a brush with death make him realize he only has one life and he needed 100% effort to reach his goal- likely. Did he push the 'legal' line- I'm sure of it. Did he cross it? I would like the evidence to be reviewed.
I believed Landis at first so have been burned but I am not yet jaded. He was good enough pre-cancer that I will give him the benefit until the evidence is revealed.