I have tried to make it a point to stay away from all this doping stuff in cycling nowadays. It is so mind boggling, frustrating, and old news. And, frankly, I’m tired of it. But, it never stops and keeps getting more convoluted.
So, these Polish brothers that got 1st and 2nd at U23 Worlds tested postive for EPO. Now they will give the jersey to the French guy that finished 3rd. I bet he is thinking “great”. But, how to you think Belgium phenom, Tom Meeusen, feels now?
Read this report on the race. Tom Meeusen was the prerace favorite by miles. He had been beating up on the Elite riders all season long. During the Worlds, he killed himself trying to keep the Polish brothers in check and eventually faded to 4th. It was a 1st or who cares mentality I’d guess. So, does it seem right that they give the jersey to the French rider? It’s better than nothing. But doesn’t make it right. I don’t think so.
It is such a shame. Cyclo-X is such a perfect sport. But, it has become pretty polluted, as the rest of the cycling has, with drug usage. When the young riders that are moving up to the Elite ranks are still willing to use drugs to cheat their fellow competitors, it doesn’t make the future look that much better than the past.
Cheater brother #1 and cheater brother #2.