So the off-season is upon us and nothing much has changed. All “Operación Puerto” succeeded in doing is dragging the sport through the dirt. All charges against the implicated riders have been shelved and most of them are set to ride in the Pro Tour next year (with the possible notable exception of Jan Ullrich).
Was it really worth it?
There has been a lot of emphasis placed on DNA testing of the riders but this is surely not the only answer. It has some merit with regards to identifying (or clearing) those involved in “Operación Puerto” I suppose, but moving forward its uses are somewhat limited. Cycling needs a real solution if it wants to be taken seriously again.
From my position, there’s not much left to do but conclude that the majority of the peleton (or at least the significant few) are doping and that the Grand Tours are no longer a test of courage, strength, endurance and determination; but a test of pharmaceuticals, masking agents, avoidance, and legal technicalities.
I’ve ditched my France travel plans for next year. The real heroes of the Pro Tour are guys like Jens Voigt, Erik Zabel, Brad McGee and Stuart O’Grady, and that’s all you really need to know.
Don’t hate the players, hate the game. Or something.