Since the start of the first Tour de France in 1903, there have always been suspicions that competitors were using drugs to enhance their performances. These suspicions finally culminated in the Lance Armstrong condemnation and he was stripped of all his seven titles for doping in 2011.
Now testing is done systematically, but still suspicions abound. This has particularly been the case this year and the suspicions were directed at Chris Froome who was the Leader and who wore the yellow jersey during 16 of the 21 stages of the race. He won the race !
Perhaps not everyone who follows the Tour de France realises that every day there are tests on 4 participating Cyclists. These are of,
- the race leader who wears the yellows jersey,
- the winner of that day's stage,
- two competitors chosen randomly.
There are also additional tests on complete teams of riders during the Race and spot checks at any time during the year.
There are also additional tests on complete teams of riders during the Race and spot checks at any time during the year.
During the race Froome was "tested" for the use of forbidden drugs at least 16 times !
What is regrettable is that Organisers have never rendered public the results together with the names of the cyclists who were tested ! Surely the simple fact that all these tests proved there was no drug abuse, would have helped to improve the reputation of the Tour de France and stopped a lot of suspicion.
There are about 200 competitors in each Tour every year. Over the three weeks, which the 21 stages of the tour take, only a maximum of 84 tests are undertaken ! Should the number of cyclists being tested not be increased ?
If at least 200 tests on a random basis had been performed during the three weeks of the race , would this not really enhance the reputation of the Tour ? Other such races would also be obliged to fall into line, which would be good for everyone concerned in the sport !
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