What do you think about the Rasmussen incident?

Question

So, the TdF leader has just been removed from the tour, even though he has been clean since it's beginning. I understand his team has a zero tolerance policy, and he had been blood doping before the Tour and possibly fabricated a story about being in Mexico when he was spotted in Italy.. Either way, it was his teams decision and I believe it was the right one. How do you feel about his removal from the tour after watching his recent performances while he was clean?

He has been clean during the race.. At the end of each day, the leader must submit to a drug test. He has been the leader for quite some time and all tests came back negative (so no steroids). I understand the anger towards cameras, because after 5+ hours in that saddle, he has people in his face with cameras shouting and trying to slap his back, as well as the motorcycles zipping past him trying to get the best shots. I recall on a recent race (within a few years) a photographer DIDN'T move and wrecked the one of the top riders, removing his chances for victory.

I guess my question is more directed at his own team removing him from the race because of an incident that "might" have taken place before the tour began.

Answer 1

Some illegal drug use can be detected by daily testing. Other drugs (like Hgh) beneficial to winning can only be controlled by year round testing. Strength and endurance developed during the off season by cheating can be as effective as race day doping.
By not following the rules, Rasmussen dug a deep hole that he did not know how to get out of. Lying to his team was obviously not the right answer.

Answer 2

Well, the assumption is that he is clean. From reports, Rasmussen was quite animated today, getting angry at things like people with cameras. Mood swings toward anger you COULD say is evidence of steroid use. Maybe the team decision was based on saving face -- better to say you are dropping a rider for a rules violation than having the teammate get caught with irrefutable evidence of drug use. And, let's add, waiting until now to administer the punishment is awfully suspicious. Rasmussen was three races from the podium, a first place finish virtually in the bag.