more drugs, more mountains

[creekster]

I was looking at the TdF route for next year and thinking about how difficult it looked. Loads of huge mountains. Then I noticed that the Giro is claiming to be as or more difficult. So the two biggest races are more difficult than in recent years and everyone is excited about it.

Doesn't this just encourage the use of drugs? we are asking these guys to chew up their bodies for these races and my guess is it seems pretty tempting to try to get some pharmaceutical help. Maybe the answer is more rest days or fewer rather than more climbs.

Some of you ride or run competitively; what do you think?

[RC Vikings]

I think they want Andy to win.

[Surfah]

I think they want Andy to win.

This.

[creekster]

SUre, but isnt it incongruous to beat up on these guys for using drugs and then give them a summer full of the most difficult climb sequences yet?

[beelzebabette]

SUre, but isnt it incongruous to beat up on these guys for using drugs and then give them a summer full of the most difficult climb sequences yet?

Yes and no. (How's that for a worthless answer?) I like it when they mix up the routes so it plays to different strengths (less individual TT this year--seriously, is anything more boring to watch on TV?) from year-to-year. I'm happy they appear to have made the course less dangerous so I don't mind more difficult climbs for some drama.

I'm in favor of pushing the race close to its limits. People want to cheat? Make it so they cheat enough to be caught. The earlier the race has a cheater(s) in the yellow jersey the sooner that racer is tested.

[creekster]

Yes and no. (How's that for a worthless answer?) I like it when they mix up the routes so it plays to different strengths (less individual TT this year--seriously, is anything more boring to watch on TV?) from year-to-year. I'm happy they appear to have made the course less dangerous so I don't mind more difficult climbs for some drama.

I'm in favor of pushing the race close to its limits. People want to cheat? Make it so they cheat enough to be caught. The earlier the race has a cheater(s) in the yellow jersey the sooner that racer is tested.

AN ITT boring? You have obviously never seen Michael 'chickenlegs' Rasmussen try to navigate an ITT course; high comedy indeed.

[beelzebabette]

AN ITT boring? You have obviously never seen Michael 'chickenlegs' Rasmussen try to navigate an ITT course; high comedy indeed.

I concede he was the exception.

[creekster]

I concede he was the exception.

I suppose you think he thus proves the rule?!?

I guess I am a freak. I actually like to watch the ITTs in the TdF.

[beelzebabette]

I guess I am a freak. I actually like to watch the ITTs in the TdF.

Truthfully, I don't mind them because they can significantly alter the race--by don't mind, I mean I watch those stages to see how they shake up the race. However, trying to get someone watching cycling for the first time amped on a time trial is nearly impossible. The commentators can point out technique, genetic gifts, etc., but listening to/watching time splits is not the same as head to head.

Team time trials I enjoy more, but that may just be because the last one I watched included BBox.

[creekster]

Truthfully, I don't mind them because they can significantly alter the race--by don't mind, I mean I watch those stages to see how they shake up the race. However, trying to get someone watching cycling for the first time amped on a time trial is nearly impossible. The commentators can point out technique, genetic gifts, etc., but listening to/watching time splits is not the same as head to head.

Team time trials I enjoy more, but that may just be because the last one I watched included BBox.

Bboix is to TTT what Rasmussen is to ITT. It waslike keystone cops watching those guys leave the road and plow into the field. More high comedy.

[RC Vikings]

I'm sure their is extra pressure to dupe to make it through a tough tour but I think they are raising the difficultly to break it up a little. LA made it all look to easy and planned out and it almost got boring. They want guys to crack and hurt. They must feel the trade off is worth it.

[Donuthole]

I hate this forum. I wish I could block it.

[mtnbiker]

I hate this forum. I wish I could block it.

Oh, you're just jealous because you don't have a biker tan.