I”m a lifelong fan and cyclist. I’ve been up and down the doping rollercoaster since the Festina Affair.
At this point, I’m apt to say that limited EPO usage is okay, up to a certain hemocrit level; say, 52%. I’m convinced they all do it with such precision now as to stay at their max hemocrit level allowed by their bio passports. So it’s an even playing field.
Add to that the fact that you can raise red blood cell levels via altitude training and/or Oxygen tenting, resulting in the same improved efficiencies. I’d wager almolst all endurance athletes are doing the same.
So yes, keep all the steroids, testosterones and that crap illegal. CERA and EPO and self transfusions may become a necessary part of riding 2000+ miles over mountains and cobblestones every few weeks for 10 months/year.
(I don’t really believe all this, but I’m getting there.)
I know exactly what you mean, waj.
Would you like to be added to the TdF ping list?