Pros and Dope

July 27, Friday. Two of my favorites withdrew from Tdf. Astana, who led the team standing withdrew after Vino tested positive, so Kashechkin was also out. Rasmussen on the other hand, was sent home by his team after lying about his whereabouts and failing to undergo 2 unannounced doping test before the tour. A very sad and embarassing way to lose. But as a pro, I understand how they feel. I know how it feels like to be pressured. In my 15 years of cycling career, so far I haven’t been tested positive in any doping tests. Kaya kahit may sakit ako, ingat talaga sa pag-inom ng gamot. Mahirap na. There were people I know who asked me to take some medicines before and during races. There were people I know who take doubtful supplements and substances. But I NEVER do it, nor try it. The reason? AYOKO. As simple as that. I don’t do that. It’s not me. It’s not my style. But I also know how it feels to win a gold medal when the cyclist who first crossed the finish line tested positive. The medal and recognition was awarded to me sometime after the event but I always have to explain everytime someone asked me. It seemed I do not deserve it because I did not earn it. Some tend to look down on it because I did not win in the actual race. I was merely a second placer for them. Funny, because if I think about it, all the other cyclists who participated in that race and tested negative were cheated, but still viewed as incompetents, and the medalists won because the ”real winner” was disqualified.

The current happennings in TdF are nothing new. The tour had suffered much worst scandals way back in 1998, wherein top cyclists were individually held in prison cells and even stripped naked. But, as we all know, the tour survived. Some teams and some pros were gone, but new teams and young and promising cyclists are born.

Cycling is a love-hate sport. Gaano man kahirap and physically demanding and dangerous, we can’t turn away from it. Sa mga panahon na groge na at d na makasipa, o kaya nabalian sa semplangan, nagagalit ang siklista. Mahabang panahon na pinaghandaan at ensayuhan na karera pero mauuwi sa wala dahil sa napositive sa caffein mula sa pag-inom ng ilang tasang espresso bago ang karera tulad ng idol ko, the great Gianni Bugno. Ang 7 years na panalo ng TdF pero laging pinagdududahan. Ang pagtanggal ng sariling team kahit naka yellow jersey ka and the overall title is within reach. Sigurado halos isumpa pa nila ang cyling. Mahirap kayanin ang husgahan ka ng buong mundo na nung una ay nagcheer pa sa iyo. But still, at the end of the interview, the suspended pros will say they will continue to ride their bikes. Hindi pa rin nawala ang pagmamahal sa pagbabike. Ganoon naman talaga ang mga siklista, matitigas ang ulo at malalakas ang loob, kaya meron kahit alam ng bawal ginagawa pa rin. Sabi nga ng iba, kung ano ang bawal syang masarap hehehe. Pero syempre, rules are rules. I believe that rules against doping were made not only to promote fair play but also to preserve the lives of the cyclists. If cycling is propagated by its cyclists, it is also the cyclists that can cause the downfall of cycling. May be the scandals and drastic measures in the Tdf are necessary to clean the sport, and bring back the respect and credibility that have been lost.