Keep Living Strong Lance
Written by MC Homer, Thursday March 19 2009
It's a funny thing really, the lengths some people will go to, to prove something. The French Anti-Doping Agency, AFLD, must really have it out for Lance Armstrong. I can't say I blame them after hearing about, well, a large number of top level cyclists testing positive for banned substances. I'm not saying they are going after Lance and only Lance, because hundreds of other French athletes have been ordered to submit hair samples for testing, but examining hair follicles for illegal substances is not even recognized by cycling's governing body, the UCI, or the World Anti-Doping Agency. So, what gives?
It's no secret that the French have had Armstrong in their sights for years now, and for good reason. Lance is an American, excelling in a sport beloved by not just the French, but most of Europe. Would you be happy if the French National team won the World Series seven straight years? Okay, I don't know if that's a good metaphor, mainly because the French aren't exactly known for their skills on a baseball diamond, but its better than nothing. Every athlete with near super-human athleticism is looked at under a microscope, and cyclists are no different. Lance happens to be the best in the world at what he does, or used to, ergo the skepticism.
Having your own opinions is good for everyone, the good lord knows I have mine, but it always helps to have facts to back your beliefs up, something I struggle with because I'm known to come down with severe cases of laziness on occasion. Lance Armstrong has never tested positive for steroids. Call me a dummy, but after eight plus years of negative drug tests, you'd think Lance's name might be able to stay out of even a few steroid conversations, he's earned that, hasn't he? Nope.
Since September, when he announced his return to the sport where he is king, he has been tested for doping 24 different times, none of them a hair test, until the 25th one. Even if they find what they are looking for, DHEA, which can be used to boost testosterone levels, he will likely get a slap on the wrist, well, that's what 22 French athletes got when they popped positive for the banned substance. AFLD Chief Pierre Bordry says, “We hope that those who are taking these products stop taking them, because it’s very bad for their health... It’s more important to tell them to stop taking them than to sanction the athletes.”
This man beat cancer, knock on wood, I don't want to be the reason if it comes out of remission. Not only does he only have one testicle remaining after going under the knife, but he had surgery on his brain to remove a germ cell tumor that had metasticized to his lungs as well. His doctors gave him less than a fifty percent chance to live. It is only logical to suspect that he could not possibly have gone through all that, and end up where he is without the help of science, illegal science, I mean.
Its one thing to have your doubts about the legitimacy of his clean image, but crossing the line like major French sports daily newspaper, L'Équipe, did in 2005, is uncalled for. The headline 'The Armstrong Lie' lay sprawled across the front page, blatantly accusing Mr. Armstrong of testing positive for EPO in six urine samples from six years prior. Not only were the samples frozen and from 1999, but the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) didn't start testing for EPO until 2001. To make a long story short, the paper even admitted the testing could have been faulty.
An independent investigation was opened into the handling of the infamous 1999 urine tests and led by Dutch lawyer Emile Vrijman. He determined that there was improper handling and testing. His report said something to the effect of the tests were conducted improperly and fell so far short of scientific standards that it was “completely irresponsible” to suggest that they “constitute evidence of anything.” That is some damning evidence. This is just another example on my list of why the French have it out for Lance Armstrong.
If I spoke french, I'd say let's cut the guy some slack, its not like he's in his prime anymore. He might only have a year or two left in him, so lets enjoy the ride and embrace it. The man only has half the number of testicles that the rest of us do, yet he's got more testicular fortitude than all of us, not only to overcome cancer, which I'm going to guess is not an easy task, but to rule his sport the way he did, and for longer than anyone else in history. Seven Tour wins in a row? That's a record that will not be touched in our lifetime, if ever. He is the face of cancer awareness and supports a great cause with his 'livestrong' bracelets. Seriously, give the guy the benefit of the doubt. We may just be witnessing the lone honest athlete in the world.
Photo Credit: Yuzuru Sunada / AFLO / Icon SMI
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