[RC Vikings]

Originally Posted by creekster

Landis is just a small step in the process. Ironically, he may even be an innocent player, although I am not sure about that. As Steel points out, the real problem, especially in Europe, is that most of the big Spanish nd Italian names are linked to Operacion puerta (puerto?). Basso has admitted involvement, Ullrich has tacitly accepted it, and others have been caught or have been damned in it (including Tyler Hamilton, but not Landis, btw). This was preceded by Landis, which was preceded Virenque and Festina, which bracketed Armstrong's amazing run which everyone that eats quiche always knew was drug-fueled. The sport has had a deteriorating image for a long time and only a small percentage if it can be placed at Landis' feet. I think the fact hat he was American had as much to so with his negative impact on the sport as the fact that he is accused of doping.

It is all very sad. No one here has even mentioned the Giro and it is already several stages old. Very, very sad.

Very good post.