David Millar - Comeback in 2006

[John Cochrane]

Correction

In my post Fri Sep 23, 2005 5:53 pm
I wrote :-

This makes it easier to cheat which is why I agree with Rob that it is so important to change attitudes and in particular to set the right example to young riders.

This should read:-

This makes it easier to cheat which is why I agree with "Brett P" that it is so important to change attitudes and in particular to set the right example to young riders.

Totally agree with you "the muur" where will it all end or rather begin.

[Conor Cormican]

Who's to say that its not happening already, club cyclists getting drugged up for the club 10 or 25, there are no tests at that level.

I agree that the team administrators may take advantage of the free for all but surely the cyclists would know. Anyway as they killed them off the authorities would become interested in what was happening, you would like to think. Lots of young cyclists have died in recent years under mysterious circumstances. Still I don't think this is purely a cycling problem drugs are being used in all sports and to say not is just burying your head in the sand.

[the muur]

What a gret thread this has been!

ya all go have a nice ride in the morning now ya all hear!

[Jim B]

I was thinking about taking EPO for the club run today, but when I enquired at Geoffrey Butlers whether they had any I got a swift clip round the ear.
Seriously though, I think the UCI have got it pretty much right. Random testing seems the way ahead to me. I struggle to believe that much doping goes on below pro and elite level. If anyone wants to risk their health to win the club 10, then they are welcome as far as I am concerned.
Life in general isn't a level playing field. Those with the cash to go on training camps etc. have an advantage over those that don't. I've not seen too many chavs at the triathlons I've done this year. Expensive kit and extortionate entry fees approaching £50 exclude a lot of people.
I think that the most talented athletes will always rise to the top, drugs or no drugs. It takes mental toughness and determination to be a champion. This can't be substituted by dope.
Do we forgive people like Miller? I think part of our fascination with cycle sport is watching the human suffering. This is why Tom Simpson is still remembered and revered. We're fascinated by human beings stretched to physical and mental limits.
Using drugs is a sign of someones limits. In the case of Miller, it just shows that he will never be a champion. I don't mind him coming back, someones got to get the bottles from the team car.

[the muur]

Jim......superbly put. The best will always rise to the top, unfortunately always punctuated and infected by the cheating and cheap.

[adrian]

David Millar and Andrew Murray - surely one and the same person?

[the muur]

And....A similar sentance could well await Museeuw, Peers, Planckaert, De Clercq et al................................

[David Lombari]

Shame he didn't do it during Le Tour, might have made things a bit more exiting.