And Now We Wait

Say it ain’t so, Floyd.

After pulling off what many consider the most remarkable feat in Tour de France history, Phonak announced that Landis is the owner of a positive ‘A’ blood sample submitted to the UCI the night of Stage 17, the legendary ride. The charges? Excessive testosterone levels. Normal males have a 1:1 testosterone to epitestosterone ratio, while the UCI allows riders up to a 4:1 ratio. Landis said he didn’t know what his tested level was (I’m sure we’re all dying to know), but acknowledged that he has been taking cortisone for his hip (or what’s left of it) as well as thyroid medication. Medical experts say those variables should have no effect on the results, and if a second ‘B’ sample is found to be positive, Floyd will be stripped of his title (which will be bestowed to runner-up Oscar Pereiro) and fired from Phonak.

Oh, what a difference four days can make.

Until it is proven otherwise, I believe Floyd. I’m tired of the Spanish and French press out to get everyone without any facts. It’s as if they live by the motto: ‘Accuse, then verify.’ I also stand behind Lance, and until the ‘press’ (I use that term loosely) and/or labs find any conclusive proof with sound methodology (which I am sure they will attempt for years to come), I will continue to believe him. I don’t know if the French are just bitter, or if they believe that sensationalism earns cash, but either way, I’m not a fan of their journalistic practices. I am not doubting the validity of Floyd’s positive sample, but I do know that certain groups live to go fishing for scandals, and I would not hesitate to believe they would engage in every manipulative trick to enhance the possibility of fabricating one.

If interested, check out the reactions of the racing community.

Anyway, enough of my cycling commentary (although if I flunk out of medical school, I am totally moving to Colorado and working as a VeloNews columnist).