Latest L. Armstrong controversy

Originally posted by hofffam I think the test of old blood samples was flawed and not based on sound medical or ethical processes. The tests were done on only one set of samples ("A" or "B", I don't remember which), and a test against the other was not possible. At minimum there is a "reasonable doubt" on the integrity of the testing process. I also believe there was inherent bias in the process because the testers WANTED to find positives for Lance. I won't say that I believe 100% that Lance has never used EPO. Of course I don't know anything. But Lance's association with Dr. Ferrari is mysterious enough to create some doubt. I also think a lot of people simply don't accept that Lance has been an exceptional athlete his entire life. His VO2 max is off the charts and he trains harder, has timed his training for peak performance at the TDF, and he uses technology (e.g. aerodynamics) better than anyone. In any case EPO was not a banned substance at the time. And they didn't test the entire TDF set of blood samples. I think Lance's history of ZERO positive tests over his cycling history is a powerful statement. I believe he has admitted to using EPO while he was taking therpy for his cancer. If I understand correctly, EPO can stay in the soft tissues for many years and testing isn't very accurate to determine when the drug was taken. Also, I think inner strength is highly over-rated when it comes to cancer survival. I know much of it comes about from really following doctor's orders, doing what you are supposed to do, and taking care of yourselve before hand. I've known extremely strong people who have lost their battle. Some of us do and some of us don't. Physical condition prior to the onset is one huge factor indetermining outcome.

Originally posted by hofffam I think the test of old blood samples was flawed and not based on sound medical or ethical processes. The tests were done on only one set of samples ("A" or "B", I don't remember which), and a test against the other was not possible. At minimum there is a "reasonable doubt" on the integrity of the testing process. I also believe there was inherent bias in the process because the testers WANTED to find positives for Lance. I won't say that I believe 100% that Lance has never used EPO. Of course I don't know anything. But Lance's association with Dr. Ferrari is mysterious enough to create some doubt. I also think a lot of people simply don't accept that Lance has been an exceptional athlete his entire life. His VO2 max is off the charts and he trains harder, has timed his training for peak performance at the TDF, and he uses technology (e.g. aerodynamics) better than anyone. In any case EPO was not a banned substance at the time. And they didn't test the entire TDF set of blood samples. I think Lance's history of ZERO positive tests over his cycling history is a powerful statement. I believe he has admitted to using EPO while he was taking therpy for his cancer. If I understand correctly, EPO can stay in the soft tissues for many years and testing isn't very accurate to determine when the drug was taken. Also, I think inner strength is highly over-rated when it comes to cancer survival. I know much of it comes about from really following doctor's orders, doing what you are supposed to do, and taking care of yourselve before hand. I've known extremely strong people who have lost their battle. Some of us do and some of us don't. Physical condition prior to the onset is one huge factor indetermining outcome.