Wannabe Bike Girl

With less than two weeks before the Tour begins, we’re back to this whole doping scandal. It’s more on the Petacchi thing, of course. It’s made CNN this time (well, CNN international).

Piepoli, Petacchi in doping probe

aunier Duval-Prodir team rider Leonardo Piepoli is under suspicion of doping at this year’s Giro d’Italia, two days after the Italian cycling federation said it was to investigate Alessandro Petacchi.

This is exactly what the sport doesn’t need. And after standing by Zabel, Milram has (rightfully so, mind you) suspended Petacchi. I cannot tell you how irritated I am about this whole situation. I had hoped that he was clean, and to be honest I will still believe it. But, god.

There’s another depressing story in that cyclingnews link about FDJ’s Joly, who apparently has a tumor and has quit cycling. I guess it’s back to just rooting for the smaller name cyclists.

Just a brief post. I’m adding this to the category of things that irritate me. I can’t tell, though, if I’m pissed off at Petacchi or the system. I hope he manages to sort this out before the Tour. The last thing I want is for him not to race. Also, this reflects badly on Milram, and after the whole Zabel thing, this is just what they didn’t need.

Petacchi protests his innocence

Alessandro Petacchi has denied doping after returning a “non-negative” test for the asthma drug salbutalmol at this year’s Giro d’Italia.