Quote:
Originally Posted by Archaea
I hope they don't all cheat, but I don't judge them if that's what's required to complete. It makes it a level playing field again. If some are and some are not, then it's an endless game, but if they all are, then it's level again.
The main risk of cheating is harm to the athlete, as the substances currently in use have a severe risk of stroke, so it should be monitored carefully. Frankly, I wouldn't want to be involved in a sport that required it, as that level of manipulation of the body chemistry concerns me for my future.
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THe problem is that they aren't all cheaqting in the same way. You are assuming some sort of blood agent, meaning EPO or some such. There are as many ways to cheat as there are cheaTERS. If you use 'roids in the off-season but no EPo in-season is the field level with someone not using 'roids but using EPO in races? IOW, the playing field is not level and will not be if the drugs aren't used openly. This is really the problem in my mind if one assumes everyone is cheating. As the OP investigation in Spain plays out we may get more information about this.
I do not think everyone cheats, although I am sure everyone at least pushes the limits of cheating. What I am not convinced of, btw, is that those that win don't cheat. That there are cheaters in a sport is no big deal, in the long run. THe problem with cycling, I think, is that most people think that only cheaters are winning and there is doubt as to whether you can win without cheating. THat perception is a long term threat to the sport and is what must be addressed.