And a lot of what the media are reporting really stinks.
First, the fact that the results of his initial test have already been publicized is way out of line. It’s almost slanderous to release the results of the initial blood/urine test without first verifying those results by examining the ‘B’ test. And any endocrine test results that might follow (per Floyd’s request) would most likely put an end to all of the (generally negative) speculation that is circulating.
It’s suspicious that the media has run with these (inconclusive of anything, in my book) first test results – although it coincides with the normal attitude toward American cyclists. Lance Armstrong certainly endured more than his share of media hints that he was doping – none of which proved true. This may be Floyd’s ‘initiation’ into the Club of American Riders’ False Positives.
The Tour directors had granted Floyd the ability to use cortisone (a steroid) to help him deal with the pain resulting from his deteriorating hip condition (osteonecrosis/avascular necrosis, a bone disease that resulted from a crash three years ago). But, as far as I know, cortisone would not affect a testosterone:epitestosterone reading.
At the same time, testosterone injections do not have an immediate effect on athletic performance. They would have to have been administered for several weeks prior to his Stage 17 performance in order for him to have benefited from them – in which case, their presence would have shown up in previous blood/urine samples. The fact that testosterone:epitestosterone ratios in his previous samples were not elevated, and that the ratio was only elevated in this one sample, says to me that the abnormally high testosterone level was simply the result of the incredibly grueling race he had just completed. (If it were, instead, the result of one or two pre-race injections since the last urine sample was taken, then Floyd Landis is nothing short of an idiot. Since the positive athletic effects of testosterone only occur after many weeks of infusion, a large immediate spike in testosterone levels would have done absolutely nothing for his performance in Stage 17. I believe Floyd both is better, and knows better, than that.)
The fact that his body had completely shut down during Stage 16 (see my previous post on that) would also possibly account for the large concentration of testosterone in his system during the next Stage. During Stage 17 his body was making an amazing recovery from literal physical shut down. Under such unusually harsh, brutal physical exertion, testosterone would be released in much larger-than-normal amounts.
The fact that Landis drank a beer immediately after Stage 17 (and presumably before the test was done) could also add, if only slightly, to the reading.
With all of that said, a pall has fallen over this area. For the past week, one could not drive a mile around the local roads without seeing a ‘We’re Proud of you, Floyd!’ or ‘Way to go, Floyd!’ sign, either in front of businesses or outside of private homes.
A hero’s parade had been scheduled in Ephrata (where Floyd’s cycling career began) for next week, and 20,000 people were expected to line the parade route (quite a turnout for a small rural town).
Now all of that has been placed on temporary hold.
Once the final truth is known, either Floyd will have turned out to be a monumental disgrace to the people in this small rural farm community, or the international news media will have a great deal of explaining to do for having once again jumped the gun in order to smear a reigning world-class American athlete.
I’m betting on the latter.
~ joanie
Allegiance and Duty Betrayed
What ever happened to "innocent until proven...."
Are the media in such desperation for news they will savage anyone's reputation - and why are the U.S. cyclists never allowed a good clean victory?
I think the U.S. should pull out of the Tour and organize their own international tour right here - we have lots of great space for the 2000 mile event and so many people would enjoy getting to know the sport up close and personal on many levels.
Without the Euro sabotage which continues every year. The contribution to this event by the Americans is substantial - and I think not worth the trouble.
Here's another link: www.tdfblog.com
Some interesting comments on it as well...
As one man said this morning - someone would have to be really stupid to dope knowing a test was going to be run.
Really stupid.
Does Landis look stupid? Not on your life.
You were right on the money until the last. The media never explains or apologizes for their actions. They don't consider themselves accountable or responsible for their actions.
Great summary Joanie.
I heard Floyd on the radio this afternoon and he sounded confident that he will be cleared of this.
I hope it is either the media gone crazy or a mistake interpreting the lab results.
You have Email.