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It's good to know not every cyclist is doping. Since no one running the sport is very effective in standing up against the issue that's killing the sport, many cyclists made a statement before the start of Wednesday's state 16.Riders from seven teams staged a short protest at the beginning of the stage in Orthez, refusing to ride out with the other teams for a few minutes to bring attention to what they say is their united effort to combat doping in the sport. They soon joined the race, a 136-mile stage to the top of the Col d’Aubisque in the Pyrenees.In this New York Times article, Edward Wyatt points out that it's the fans of the sport who need to adopt a tougher stance. Highlighting some forgiving fans alongside the race:
“It’s very disappointing that he tested positive,” Trejo-Cantwell said of Vinokourov, “because he was one of the favorites. But it doesn’t make me any less willing to be a fan.”
“Why not just let them take it?,” he asked. “As long as it’s only harmful to themselves, it should be okay. They’re only entertaining the public anyway.”I understand the Tour de France is fairly irrelevant, but I bring this article up because I think it's an issue with all sports. Fans complain about all issues in sports, but rarely do anything about it. We're the real enablers. If you're upset with the NBA's officiating ... don't go to games. Don't watch. If fans want a tougher stance on steroids in baseball, stop going to games.
Fans hold all the power, but rarely wield any of it. We should except just as much of the blame we're doling out.
Source: (NY Times)
(Photo by Thierry Roge/Reuters)
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