When the headlines last week were talking about how this is not Vino’s tour, with his crash and the lack of leadership from Kloden, they were just scratching the surface. Yesterday I thought that this was indeed Vino’s tour. Now, I can’t believe it.
A recap
Stage 13 was brilliant. A torn and hurt Alexander Vinokourov raced the time trial of his life and brought hope, drama and admiration to himself and cycling fans the world over.
Stage 14 was a meltdown. Exhausted and torn up Vino was dropped by the peloton on the second climb of the day and all hopes of yellow were smashed as he came in nearly 30 minutes behind the leaders.
Stage 15 was the silver lining. I cheered and was amazed yesterday as Vino launched ahead in the breakout, accelerated on the last climb and rocketed the descent to grit out another stage win in the Pyrenees. If ever there was a courageous win that showed real grit, it was this one from Vino.
Rest Day – I opened up VeloNews.com to see if any of my favorite Chris Horner diaries videos had been updated to find out that Alexandre Vinokourov has tested positive for doping and team Astana has pulled out of the race. Just when the team category was heating up as Discovery was just 2:53 behind Astana in the overall contention.
It makes me so sad for a sport that although I’m new to I have fallen in love with. As I rode Wolf Creek Pass this morning before work with some friends we were talking about how courageous Vino had been in yesterday’s stage. Now, I’m just feeling empty about the entire Tour de France. Phil Liggett, comentator for Versus TV summed it up:
Paul, Bob and I are, for once, speechless. We are all very upset with such a stupid action at a time the sport looked to be putting its own house in order. It is incomprehensible that Vinokourov could do such a thing when he must have known he was under suspicion because of his dealing with disgraced doctor Michele Ferrari in Italy. He must have known he would be tested at every opportunity and the time trial was the perfect occasion.
3 Responses to “Say it isn’t so! Alexandre Vinokourov tests positive”
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July 31st, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Kendall,
This is Dave from the Pine Street Gang. I’ve got no other comment.
August 16th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
You were always one to observe more and speak less. Thanks for stopping by Dave
September 19th, 2007 at 4:51 am
Heather Mills McCartney…
I Googled for something completely different, but found your page…and have to say thanks. nice read….