nitrous said:
Agree that there are limits but I'd maintain that there is no reason why someone can't go a bit faster next year than he did last year - thanks mainly to the tech, health, nutrition etc etc. Further, (sorry creationists) we have evolved from the swamp and continue to evolve so the next generation should be stronger than the previous.
So, we know that Cadel has beaten other riders that are doping. But, were they all trying to win or just doping so they could sit on the front for 100km and pull their team leader. Just as much incentive for a domestique to dope as a team leader.
Don't get me wrong, I've been around the sport long enough to be as jaded and cynical as the next guy BUT I do believe Cadel is clean. Maybe it is deep seated patriotism or naivity, but something tells me it is possible to win clean and if anyone can do it.....
I think the most damning piece of information, from those who know the sport, has nothing to do with Evans on the road.
It is to do with his quotes and his personality. He rarely pulls a punch, he will complain about something if he is ******, where others tow the line.
Evans is known as a whiner. He might be a hard guy, that is, capable of immense suffering on the bike, but that is not mutually exclusive to being a complainer.
He complains to the press.
Now why, when sport is all about winning, and rewards, and riches, does Evans say "the tests are working, the UCI is doing a good job, the cheats are getting caught". Every poster on this board with more than a cursory knowledge of this sports, understands this is utter ********.
Why would you come second, and lose the millions and the title as a Tour winner, to obviously doped Contador and Rass. It makes no sense, it contradicts known human behaviour.
I know Evans offers hackneyed soundbites on "I only worry about riding my own race, about riding my own tour, not worrying about anyone else. If I do my best tour, I will be satisfied".
Everyone knows that if you lose to a doper, you would be ******, and intimate it in not so many words.
Has Leipheimer ever whinged since Vino's DQ about losing 5th place in the 2005 Tour.
Why did everyone support Armstrong.
Please, human psychology betrays their guilt.