Why? I think it all comes down to conceit. When you’re willing to cheat you’ve already made a moral judgment. That level of conceit also brings with it a level of sloppiness. It’s like a bank robber who doesn’t get caught the first time. The conceit builds at what they think they can get away with and by not getting caught the drive is there to do it again. There’s also the issue of addiction and I don’t mean to the drugs, but to being successful at substantiating the reasons you got into the sport in the first place.

Ricardo Rico proved that behind all his trash talking, he’s just a failure. A fraud. You can see why maybe Beltran would dope, he’s 38 years old riding in the last Tour of his career, he probably didn’t think he could finish without doping. But with Ricco it’s far more inexplicable. Ricco had his entire lifetime of true heroism ahead of him. I doubt he’ll ever race the Tour again, not to mention a four year ban from any competition.

Still, kudos to the race promoters and the sport itself for chasing the dopers out. The ASO has proven that they are willing to sacrifice the future of their race to get rid of the dopers. What other organization would so readily jeopardize such immense commercial considerations?  Cycling is light years ahead of all the sports in the degree.  I have to say, I still don’t think we’re out of the woods yet.

As for the stage itself, it was another great day for “The man from Man.” Mark Cavendish enjoyed another perfect lead-out (by Quick-Step) and smoked ‘em to the finish. Cadel had a tough ride today because he has no teammates. If he hopes to wear yellow in Paris they better get that figured out and get him some help.

Bobke’s Inside Line: Joe Strummer said it best, “Without people, we’re nothing.” We have to provide a better environment for the Pro cyclist. We have to provide a more spiritual and emotional gauge for success, not one just based on possessions.” 
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