A reader’s reaction to Tour de France doping scandal

After yesterday’s webletter we received these sentiments from a reader about the Tour. Do you agree? Disagree?

The drugs are making the Tour de France a total joke. Every year we sit staring at these “fantastic” performances, only to be ripped off by sponsors and big money. It’s a spectacular event, sure, but not at all credible. Why don’t we just let them take their stuff and the winner will be the one backed by the best scientists and doctors?

The Tour is just too tough and driven by big money. The temptation to be greedy and in the spotlight creates a situation where it’s worth taking the risks associated with doping.

Let’s then get realistic: make the route more human, jail offenders and, for at least five years, limit the money thrown at the event.

I love the sport and am active, but the hype is spoiling the core principles of fairness and enjoyment. The show ponies are riding for money and status only and very few care about the sport.

This is just a view of a normal guy who has to pay his way and loves riding and the ordinary guys who hit the tarmac and the dirt every weekend.

Regards
Hennie 

Image: Cor Vos

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