The test they use to determine if Floyd took illegal drugs is pretty sketchy IMO. It measures the ratio of two types of hormone in the body. Thing is, since its a ratio, a skewed result could mean high testosterone, but it could also mean the other hormone is low, i.e., no doping. Add to that, things like fatigue and dehydration can skew the results...any chance Floyd was fatigued or dehydrated after Stage 17? You ride at the front during a 6 hour mountain stage and tell me how you are feeling....
Innocent until proven guilty, I say. Or as the French say, "Innocent until proven American."
Thanks for the nudge on this one, btw. After reading this post I went and did some reading of my own - I'd assumed all along (biology geek, I understand a lot about the medical tests) that the Floyd thing was probably a sensationalized mess and sure enough, it is. I feel so bad for the guy. As a writer I was apalled at headlines that claimed he tested positive for a "banned steriod", which is patently untrue, and as a scientist I was furious that something as vague as an "outlying" result that can occur naturally would get this much publicity with no substantive clarification. Floyd said that nothing will ever be the same for him even if he's vindicated because the story surrounding the test is a bigger story than winning the tour.
Posted by: Siren | Monday, July 31, 2006 at 11:23 AM