Cycling is clean now that a brit is leading.....

oh dear, another clueless muppet.

wiggins has had tour winning ability for years - he's an incredible cycling talent whose won multiple olympic golds on the track. he came 4th in the tour 3 years ago showing his ability to translate that track talent to the road. With the considerable backing of team sky he's been able to focus 100% over the last year to winning the tour de france. The preparation has gone perfectly and he's now in the form of his life at the age of 32. nothing strange about that - just the result of a lot of hard work. Cadel Evans won the tour last year aged 34.

Nice you know when the first sentence is an insult, the poster has little to back his arguement.

1) Using Cadel Evans as an example proves nothing imho (Same question marks over him; Though at least he is consistent throughout his career at the Tours finishing 14,60,8,4,3,3,4,40,26,5,3,10)
2) Wiggins has never shown the ability to win a tour. Only 3 years ago at the age of 29/30
3) He has race Tours before achieving results such as 123, 124, Withdrawn, 134, 71, 40 & 24th. Thats some jump to go from circa 70th to winning a tour. And this improvement happening when he is approaching 30.
4) Track talent? Means nothing. Boardman etc achieved little in the GC part of road racing.

My POINT is that the BBC reporting is hilarious. So he gets annoyed at being questioned because the sport is so clean???? Presume Poor Brad has not seen the last 20 years of history of the sport and THIS race in particular

Cycling is a microcosm of society. Some people do drugs, others don't.

All the forum comments are speculation, no armchair pundit really knows. Facts are few and far between but here are some:
Drugs used to be de rigeur in cycling.
There is more testing and less positive tests than ever before.
A single professional cyclist cannot 'do' drugs. He needs a team doctor etc on side. Sky have always stated they will recruit no-one with a drug history.

I have followed Bradley's career since Kilburn days - IMHO there is absolutely zero chance he would.

However, the argument of 'he's really good, he must do drugs' rightly brought a tirade of abuse.

Cycling is much maligned and I really think that Sky should consider prosecuting some for slander. "Give evidence or shut up".

And cos sky say its so it must be true. I couldn't care less about who dopes but this stuff about cycling is clean but this 5hite about wiggins getting the hump cos people rightly question the sport is beyond reproach . I see harming are out lauding wiggins now lol. He honestly is surprised at getting questioned given how dominant sky have been?????

GarminS

Ffs lol

Wiggins got questioned literally minutes after slogging it up a mountain. He would have been knackered. I'd have kicked off if someone had alluded that was down to drugs as well. In fact, I  would be more concerned if he hadn't.

Brailsford is on record as saying that a British Tour de France winner is utterly utterly worthless if they are later found to be doped up. Given that he's got more investment in UK cycling than anyone else I'm happy to take him at his word and consider that he wouldn't jeopardise his legacy.

That Wiggins hadn't shown form before Team Sky isn't an argument (it's not even true). Do people think Djokovic is suddenly on the take because he suddenly started beating Nadal and Federer? Turnaround's in sport happen.

Fact is Wiggins and Sky are disliked by many. The questioning has got more to do with that than any genuine suspicions. I mean, how dare they rock up with their new team and scientific approach and start beating the old guard in a grand tour.

Wiggins didn't get annoyed at being questioned because the sport is so clean.

He is from London. For many in London "fụcking" is the most frequently used adjective (for some the only adjective), e.g "fụcking hot", "****ing cold", "fụcking big", "fụcking small" etc. If you have an ear for the dialect then what he was saying was rather articulate, if you don't it may sound colourful. What he reacted to was the ease with which people on twitter immediately reference drug taking to the sort of performance he and his team had just produced in the saddle. The oxymoronic exclamation "fụcking wạnker" is everyday speech for some people.

The commitment and effort (such as riding up and down Mount Teide all winter) and the sacrifices he's made (missing his children's birthdays etc.) have been dismissed by people who, rather than getting off their ạrses and applying themselves, use pseudonyms to justify their bone idleness in 140 characters or less. Fair comment and bravo Brad. (incidentally the BBC reported yesterday these people are probably shortening their lives by their nefarious activity: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18767278).

Also, the misconception that anyone could just hop onto his bike, take off across France and give the peleton what for is way off the mark. At the age of 32 Wiggins is in what many consider the peak years for a road racer and without the backing of a good team winning the Tour de France would be an impossibility.

Looks to be the cleanest tour ever

Paul Kimmage disappointed in Wiggins and Team Sky over transparency

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/12357/Kimmage-disappointed
-in-Wiggins-and-Team-Sky-over-transparency.aspx

Cycling (and most other sports) will probably never be 100% clean - there's always someone trying to gain an advantage, but it is incomparable to the EPO days of the 1990s. You only have to compare the times for mountain ascents to see that they go a lot slower nowadays because they are off the drugs.

Kimmage really is a pr1ck and a crap journo.

^ you forgot to put a picture of the Union Jack at the end of your sentence

there was an article posted on twitter yesterday where they looked at the power output from stage 7 this was the stage where a lot of people were suspicious because Sky were so dominant. What it showed is the the numbers were within what would be considered normal and compared to previous tours were below what was produced in other years.

So this assumption that Sky are so dominant its suspicious doesn't really hold up, yes they're dominant in the current field but compared to other years when there has been widespread doping they are behind a fair bit.

The power output numbers don't prove that there isn't doping but what it does show is that Sky team aren't performing in a way thats out of the ordinary.

Heres' the article...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/jul/10/tour-mountains-science-of-sport

Wiggins hasn`t had to improve much for what has happened so far,its hardly a vintage tour mostly based on the prologue and ITT and fancied rivals either out of form or crashing.

Part of me was delighted with Brads reaction as opposed to an "Ive never tested positive" response. 

I think his reaction was out of frustration at the question, which was along the lines of "What do you think of those who say Wiggins is on something", it was a sly question from a journalist using fans to pose a question about doping.  So i think part of Brads anger was aimed at the interviewer being too cowardly to ask a direct question.  Undoubtedly Brad could have answered better, something along the lines of

"Im disappointed that there is a large target painted on the back on the Maillot Jaune, sadly thats the way it is at the minute due to the tainted past, but we, as a sport, must work to earn back the trust of those loyal fans who have been betrayed by past competitors"

But i think it would be foolish to expect such a response considering it was his first day in yellow, after an incredibly tough stage, im guessing he wasnt just physically exhausted but mentally too.

I also agree with HoD, Wiggins response was justified to those who say "He's doing well, he must be doping", its a lazy accusations.

I think part of Skys dominance, which is still up for debate considering we are only one week into the Tour and not even hit the big mountains yet, comes through planning.  Sky appear to go to the Nth degree in their planning.  You could see the planning in action up the Planche de Belle Filles (Stage 7), each rider riding on their limit for as long as they can, then the next man, then the next.  If a team knows how long their riders can sustain their maximum effort then it allows them to be very efficient and in control.  It did look like Froome had pushed it at one point, as Wiggins could be heard shouting "slow down, slow down", they look to race the numbers (W/kg, Watts), they dont race the man. 

I also read a tweet from Janez Brajkovic after the Stage9 TT which read "Lesson learned today: next time see the parcours", if a team with Astana's budget isnt investing time in looking at the stages then more fool them.

Dylan1975,
Thats a good blog, id keep an eye on their great site, think theyll have more articles up throughout the tour http://www.sportsscientists.com/

But I also think Sky should be more transparent, it would go a long way towards helping the sport earn the trust back of us loyal fans, if they handed over SRM data from stages to be analysed. I asked one of the two writers on Sportsscientists whether analysis of that data could be used to identify weaknesses in a rider, as i understood their reply, the SRM information cant be used in real time, although over a longer period it might show the capabilities (and therefore the limitations) of a rider, which could prove crucial in closing stages of the Tour.

Perhaps after the tour is finished Sky will release SRM data to be analysed, which would go some way to not only improving the image of the sport but also the understanding of the sport.

As for Di Gregorio, to quote Wiggins after his team (ironically Cofidis) was kicked off the 2006 Tour due to Moreni testing positive, "there's always likely to be one idiot".

It's been a long time coming for cycling to even acknowledge that it has a problem. The whole out-of-season testing system is still not fit for purpose. The Spanish federation for one have been particularly lax in their oversight role.

I don't like the fact that Wiggins totally lost his rag to that extent though.

I can see why Sky won't release some data though - it is in effect commercially sensitive, and they'd be putting themselves at a disadvantage unless the UCI mandated that everyone do it.

Sky are disliked in the peleton for all sorts of reasons - they came into the sport with a huge budget and what could be taken as breathtaking levels of arrogance and contempt for the established order, and their way of doing things.

Last year Bradley said the drugs were good, but that was when he was out of the Tour after breaking his collarbone.
A journalist stopped him after he left the hospital and was about to get into a car.  The hospital gave him something to handle the pain.

PMSL. Wiggins at the age of 32 suddenly develops Tour winning ability

He hasn't shown that he's developed anything yet.  He's ridden a long TT very well which funny enough is his speciality and done before.  He has ridden the mountain stages at a good stong pace which he's done previously in the tour.  This tour suits him more and the field is weaker no doubt.  His Team have shown form but they have done that before Froome has always been a great rider when not suffering from illness and the rest of the line up have been hand picked.  I hope he does win and think he's clean but it's just an opinion.

The more I see of Bradley Wiggins, the more I'm beginning to dislike him. Maybe it's just those ridiculous sideburns. Froome, on the other hand, seems the model professional and focussed, and seems a genuinely nice guy when interviewed. Wiggins' outbursts to the media these last few days betray the pressure he is no doubt under to deliver a first UK Yellow jersey. I'd love to see him crack on the mountains and have to watch Froome riding away for Tour glory, or just to keep an eye on Nibali and Evans. if he doesn't do it this year, due to team orders, Froome is a great bet at early prices for Tour 2013.

Jumper, I rate him too but I'm not sure about next year if Wiggins wins they may send Froome to Giro / Vuelta as would make more sense?  Also his illness could return.

Jumper ... dislikes him because of his hair?! Well, if you don't know him personally, I suppose you have to base your judgement on looks and his media persona. Wiggins doesn't fit your mold of a model professional but Froome does - hard to see how you can fault Wiggins professionalism? I hope most on the forum have a less superficial view of Britain's best cyclist.

Agreed HoD

The abusive language when being interviewed? Call me a snob, but the man has no class whereas Froome looks more like the one who has had at least had some media training. Wiggins comes across a bit of a lager lout to be honest. Yes, call me a snob.

Agree with HoD.

I doubt we see or hear of the lighter, polite side of Wiggins in the interviews as it isnt a story, my mate tells me that on French Eurosport Wiggins has come across as polite and courteous.  Confronted with sly, lazy accusing questions his reaction is understandable.

Reasons to dislike Wiggins:
Unprofessional.
No media training.
Sideburns
Lager lout.

I'm with jumper here. This is no comment on his abilities or dedication, but Wiggins' outburst was completely unacceptable.

I don't care how much pressure he's been under, a model professional should not be conducting himself in that sort of way. His media team should have had him straight back in to that conference to apologize publicly. Either they let him down by not telling him to, or he let himself down by refusing to. It's not the outburst per se, but the repeated expletives.

He's not a very gracious winner either, which even the notoriously fiery Cavendish manages.

I think that perhaps Brailsford is a little too indulgent of his riders. I suspect that it may be a deliberate policy, and that he (DB) tries to act as a lightning conductor for any flak that his team might get. Whatever they're doing, it's working though, so I wouldn't expect much to change on that front.

I'll turn the fred on its head, and say that a Brit is leading the tour de france because cycling is now clean.

lol i think its more to do with shedloads of money being pumped into british cycling in the last 15 years

History Maker,
Definitely understand the professionalism point in interviews, as i said i was pleased with Brads reaction at the time (part of me still does), but it could have been better, and Wiggins and Sky probably think it could have been handled better.  But Wiggins isnt someone who can usually keep his mouth shut if asked about something like that.

http://itv-57.vo.llnwd.net/d1/event1/WIGGINS%20Podcast%2027_7_07_1-2.mp3
That's an interview with Wiggins after his team (Cofidis) were kicked off the Tour in 2006.  He occasionally uses the same colourful language, he does speak about his hopes for the future of cycling(which is now), and his hope that the future leaders of the Tour are men to be proud of, so Brads reaction the other day was perhaps poor, as he is now one of the leaders of the sport.  He also talks about his hope that teams are transparent and leading the way, there are a few things that Brad and Sky could (and should) easily be questioned about on, most notably when Brad talks about teams not employing anyone with a suspect past.  Its a great interview from Wiggins, a planned press conference where he would have had chance to think about the answers to expected questions, it was a very emotional response the other day.

Marychain,
That did cross my mind but still Sky could and maybe should be more transparent, on the front foot more, however this could involve releasing information that could be employed by other teams, and thus Sky would lose their edge, i heard today that Nibali hadnt even ridden or driven down a couple of the descents they went down today, WHY NOT?  Sky do seem to have upped the level of professionalism, upped the level of planning, of previous years, but surely they should have expected questioning about doping when they put on the yellow jersey, which they could have prepared for.

Completely unrelated, but does anyone remember the website Facts4Lance.com, which was set up by Lance's PR team (when Tyler Hamilton was going on 60mins?), well there is a new one: facts4lance.net

The kimmage article is interesting. As a Brit the last thing I want to believe is that Wiggins could be taking "substances" ,at
the same time I don't want to bury my head in the sand or be in denial. Transparency is a big thing and something that Wiggins
has suddenley become less keen on. I sincereley believed that he could become the first drug free TDF winner since Greg Lemond
but I've now got doubts. The fact that Chris Froome has improved dramatically over the last year looks suspect too.
    Voeckler appeared finished with injury problems in the first week and nearly gave up then suddenly wins a very tough stage.
It looked very dubious to me.
Maybe cycling is just the same as before and I've buried my head in the sand because I didn't want to believe it.

if they're on anything its incomparable to the EPO era of the 1990s. Go and have a look at Armstrong v Pantani going up Mont Ventoux in 2000 on youtube. Its like they're on motorbikes - Armstrong goes past one guy like he's a granny on a grifter.

Do you not think Sastre was dope free? I know he's Spanish but I'm inclined to believe it was a legit win.

Bradley probably too old and this year's route seems taylormade for him, with AC and A.Schleck back and more difficult mountain stages it will be hard to repaet this year's performance, but do you think Froome has the potential of a multiple TdF winner?

Just as an aside; got this today.
http://www.fredperry.com/men/bradley-wiggins/?utm_campaign=fred1228e&utm_term=week1228&utm_source=defacto&utm_medium=email

Amazed they don't do it in yellow.

Catford,
If they had of released it now itd maybe be tempting fate? And also limits the potential for releasing a

"Limited Edition Super Special Bradley Wiggins 2012 Tour de France Winning Yellow 1964 Style Cycling Jersey"
RRP £99.95


Good interview here with Wiggins after todays stage, addresses points he made in his guardian piece, and also the sweary interview of the other day. 
http://soundcloud.com/cycling-central/tour-de-france-stage-12

Enjoyed seeing Millar win today and really admire the way he's open about his past drug use and how he's
turned things around. Don't believe he takes drugs now and would be shocked and saddened if he was found to be using again.

Thanks for that AN; "bread and water" I liked that.
Also liked his comments about Millar.

If he does win the thing I'll get a yellow one at £99.95 to cheer him on in the Olympics. Although I don't think it will really suit me as a lardy arsed unfit man in his 50s. Working on the sideburns though

Dont think its a case of suddenly developing tour winning ability,its more a case of the race being tailor made for him with the 2 time trials,plus a weaker field in the mountains.
Take a tt away and add Andy Scleck and Contador,we have a totally different scenario.