Cav is clean as the proverbial and 'doping'* in the early years usually consisted of a Brandy snifter and amphetamines...not the best way to climb a mountain. As Tommy Simpson found out to his cost. And don't worry about the height of the mountains, global warming will wear them down faster than a horde of cycling fans.
Wouldn't that kind of improvement be noticed and the rider required to undergo testing?
Probably. But he felt victimised, and rightly so, considering the run of Tours Armstrong achieved. I'm still ambivalent about it. Those riders have a punishing schedule and even with a little pick-me-up are still better than most of the competitors.
I know, right.
Having to wake up during the night and ride a stationary bike (because your blood is so thick, you'll have a cardiac arrest if you don't), is a bit more than a toot on an inhaler and a double espresso
Tried riding around the D.shire Dales once upon a day after enjoying the intoxicating company of Mary-Jane. Not an easy way to excercise your lungs but i did find the whole experience very amusing for some reason. Actually cocaine was also a popular choice back in the day...
I guess you could use it as an excuse in the mountain stages but it must've been hell coming down the other side. Mad stuff they got up to in the past. I think one guy hitched a lift and drove most of the way.
