Is Landis guilty?

Question

With all the performance enhancing drugs on the market, I can understand the temptation to use these drugs by competing athletes. Cheating has existed for many years but has not until recently reached this technical level. As an Ultramarathoner, I have thought about trying some of these drugs but dismissed the idea because, first, I did not want to cheat, and secondly I would undermine and nulify the integerity of the sport.

I also ride mountain bikes. To me, mountain biking is so much more friendly than traditional road bike riding and competing. The versatility and durability of the mt. bike is superior to the road bike and the rider is MUCH more friendly and lacks the egotisical arrogance of the road bike person. Most road bikers are rude and disrespectful on the road and demand unearned respect. Sometimes when I see them on the road, I crash into them, and ride off with a rear glance to insure they are well destroyed! Landis is one of those arrogant AH's.

Answer 1

Floyd did not have elevated testosterone levels, as one would expect if he had been doping, what he had was a high ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone, both were at lower levels than normal, but the levels don't matter, it's the ratio they test for. When levels are that low, the ratios are more pronounced.

And the test doesn't take into account that Landis had been taking daily cortisone shots to help his bad hip, and he also takes hormones for a thyroid condition, and those medications play hell with his endocrine system.

When he's proven innocent, I only hope you are as vocal and forthright in your apology as you are in your accusation.

Do you have any words about the German Ullrich and the Italian Basso, the *actual* cheaters that were caught before the race and banned?

Answer 2

Well, I think your first paragraph doesn't have anything to do with your second paragraph.

Are you saying that all mountain bikers are saints and mellow and non competitive? I'm sure that's not true. More courteous? I don't know. Aren't there "territories" and "turfs" within the mountain biking culture- like in surfing? I don't know. But I would imagine.

Anyways, Landis was a pro mountain biker before switching, hope you know, and a very good one.

And when you say, "...As an Ultramarathoner, I have thought about trying someof these drugs, but dismissed the idea..." just proves that you are being a competitor and being ambitious. Most of us humans are like this.

But I do agree, that when doping is done, in any sport (Baseball, Athletics, Skiing, Marathon running, Triathlon, Football, etc.) it just brings the sport down.

I guess you are suggesting that people who dope, are being too selfish and not doing things for the betterment of their sport? Is this right?

Whatever it is, it's a complex issue and we should not put judgement, just yet. We'll see if the UCI and WADA can PROVE (they have the burden) that Floyd did it.


Cheers and good riding!

Answer 3

If the tests indicated that he took EPO, or was blood doping, I would think he's guilty. But, since steroids generally aren't the "drugs of choice" for cyclists, I'm thinking he very well might be innocent. By the way, lots of athletes have failed initial tests for high testosterone levels, and were later cleared by the B Tests. I'd say there's a pretty slim chance that he will be convicted, but people will always speculate, which is the unfortunate thing.

Now Lance on the other hand IS a doper. I have no doubts at all about that.

Answer 4

You are a troubled person. First, you ask innocently whether Floyd is guilty and then you go into a rambling spiel about cheating and your disdain for roadies. You have the audacity to hurl a slur at Landis, but it's unlikely that you ever met the man in person or have known him long enough to make such a disdainful appraisal of his character. You boast of the superiority of mountain biking and then brag about the hurt you've inflicted on other cyclists because of some perceived slight you've felt from them. Your words are rash and immature and reflect an irrational contempt for others that suggests some type of psychosis. You should seek professional help from a counselor or psychologist.

Your rant is most likely an attention-getting device, and you have succeeded in getting my attention. I will report you to the moderators of these forums because you deserve nothing less than the same scorn you would reserve for Floyd or other people you don't know. I'd pity you but I have no place in my heart for people such as you.

Answer 5

It seems hard to show Landis is innocent, and increasingly easier for some to argue his guilt. I am talking of US doctors and sports commentators who have been featured in US news sources. I think some folks supporting Landis should now do the mature thing and re-evaluate their stance. I know it sucks.

Answer 6

Lets wait for the results of the B lab samples before passing judgement. The press has blown this way out of proportion.

Answer 7

Not Guilty