UCI President, Pat McQuaid said this weekend that there had been no positive drugs tests at this year's Tour de France and he looked forward to a drugs free future for the race.
McQuaid who was at the Tour of Ireland in Cork spoke of his optimism for the future inthe battle against doping in cycling:
"It's looking like the Tour de France will not have any positive tests for a number of years. I think that's a big step forward for cycling." he told the Reurters news agency
The last few editions of cycling's biggest race have been marred by successive drugs scandals, both before, during and after recent editions as the organisers, for the last couple of editions of the race Tour organisers ASO took a particularly hard line on testing.
"It's been a difficult moment for cycling because of the doping scandals but I think we're coming out of it and going into a good period," McQuaid said.
While there has been general relief that this year's Tour passed off without any drug scandals – despite a concerted programme of testing co-ordinated by the UCI and ASO and the introduction of the UCI's biological passports – sceptics will point to Mike Astarloza's failed drug test.
It was announced that the Spaniard, who won Stage 16 of this year's Tour had failed a drugs test less than a week ater the end of the Tour and only 10 days after his stage win. Astarloza tested positive for EPO derivative – the sample was taken in an out of competition test in June - before the Tour's start.
Astarloza has been provisionally suspended by the UCI, but insists he is innocent - his team, Euskatel Euskadi are standing by their man saying that their internal testing procedures showed no anomalies.
The outcome of tests on Astarloza's b sample are due soon and should be an indication of whether McQuaid's optimisim is a little premature or not.
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Yep: "Are REVOLOOP bicycle tubes suitable for rim brakes?...
I'm all for a much more socialist approach to the sorts of things you mention, where there are clear market failures and a need for decent...
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12 corners in just over 2km is a terrifying prospect if it rains!
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I think it's:...
As it's often said -'the way to justify the building of a bridge is not too count the number of people swimming the crocodile infested river!'
I used to go that way to work. It's nasty and congested. I doubt any changes will make the congestion worse.
Both bikes are both 1x