Doping in Cycling: Who's guilty?

In recent years, cycling has become a complete shambles, with doping so common it's not even funny. Marco Pantani was the last person we know definitely did not use drugs. I'm not saying this because he is my idol, I'm saying it because after his death, they analysed his bone marrow and found that there were no signs of regular EPO use. Many people assume he's guilty but the facts show he isn't. I think all those people who think that forgot the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover". Sure he used cocaine, but that in no way helps boost performance.

Coming to more recent years, for me Armstrong is a genius. Somehow, he found a way to never test positive or escape even though I'm convinced he found some drug when he had his cancer treatment which is undetectable to normal drug tests. However the thought did come to me the other day: is it possible without drugs to win 7 Tour de Frances if it's the only race you ride all season? (which is what Armstrong did). Who knows, but I still think Armstrong's on dope. As far that's concerned, I totally agree with Greg Lemond.

Now probably THE biggest doping fail ever has got to be Floyd Landis. He OBVIOUSLY took drugs (he wins one of the hardest Tour stages alone riding with a screwed up hip), he denied it with some rubbish excuse (he even wrote an autobiography to prove his innocence!) and then years later, he admits it, and afterwards tries to implicate other riders (Armstrong) in doping scandals. Still, big up to him for trying to get Armstrong implicated, as I think that's what he deserves.

In the last few months, the big doping scandal has been that of Alberto Contador, the three time Tour de France winner. The fact that such a small amount of clenbuterol was found does suggest that it wasn't done on purpose, but who knows? I mean he could've taken a lot before the test and it could have just worn off. I hope he hasn't doped, because Contador is, after Mark Cavendish, my favourite rider in the peloton and he has a majestic riding style. Contador has been cleared of any doping allegations in January (and has returned at the Tour of Algarve), even though it's not clear whether the World Anti Doping Agency will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.