What A Dope

Well, it happened. The Tour's critics are satisfied with another positive test for synthetic testosterone. As of late, the tour has not consisted of the test of the human body and what it can endure though France but it has consisted of surfaced doping allegations. Again. T-Mobile team member Patrik Sinkewitz "A" sample tested positive. This is the first sample they take, if it comes back positive, Sinkwitz can request a "B" sample to appeal the results. If the "B" sample is positive Sinkwitz will look at a possible ban from the sport. He could also be fired by his team and have to pay back his annual salary.

The news caused two German television stations to stop covering the race.

As a admirer of this sport, I am left with rolling eyes and head shaking. It is a shame that the integrity of the sport has been challenged so much in result of these drug tests. It is a real shame. Patrice Clerc, the President of Tour Amaury Sports Organization says it perfectly, "Riders are playing Russian roulette, in a way, when they are tempted to cheat."

In Sinkwitz's defense he is about to have surgery as a result and WD from the Tour on Sunday and "knew nothing about [the drug in his system]." This is the case for some of the athletes caught doping. Their trainers or doctors have to be so careful of the drugs or supplements they give the athletes. There is a black list that has so many names on it, it is practically a book. Mistakes can be made. But who are we supposed believe?

*Source: Daily Times Call. 19 July 2007.