CONTE's proposal to Pound: more testing on top athletes.

[limerickman]

Specialization made the sport less interesting if you ask me. It started with Lemond, it was no secret the only thing that mattered to Greg was the TDF. But at least he rode other races to win. Then Indurain made the practice acceptable. He rode a few other races , but his Vuelta's DNF's show he was looking at the TDF with total focus.
Then Armstrong came along and perfected the one race season. And as competitive as cycling has become with more countries showing interest, that is what it may take to be a TDF winner.

Yeah, LeMond did start the drift, i agree.
But Greg was able to ride (and win) one days and stage races/gt's.
I can tell you that man broke Irish hearts at chambery in 1989 - when he won the worlds.
I had a £100.00 on Kelly to win that day - they had live coverage on Irish TV
especially for the race.
greg spolit the party!
great ride though and a great ride by Konichev too.

and as you say Indurain took specialisation a stage further than LeMond.
I actaully resented Indurain - because we were used to seeing the likes of leMond/hinault racing all season.
Then you get this spaniard only racing between late may and early august!
we were being shortchanged!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then Armstrong & co bring it down from a three monthe season (Indurain) to a three week season (TDF)!!

I reckon we've been lucky to have grown up when we did - because at least we got to see/read about the cyclists riding more than three weeks per season!