say it isn't so.....

ok, so, i was distressed to read on line this afternoon that Alexander Vinikourov and his entire team have withdrawn from the Tour de France due to allegations that Vinnie was caught having had a blood transfusion after his time trial win.....to be more specific....he was caught having blood from another 'population' in his body......that sounds ominous.....and since they all signed a pre-race contract that if one cheats they all leave.....that is it for Team Astana.....which kinda reminds me of Team Festina who were kicked out a few years ago for the same sort of thing....don't these folks understand that sponsors will no longer pay to be associated with such behavior.....for the same reason that M. Vick has been barred from attending football camp with his team....there will be no television coverage of a team with such a stain.....and without tv...there is no payout for everybody else.....sad that money makes the world go around....but money always trumps integrity.....ah well.....I was afraid that this year would be our last tour to watch after floyd landis's crash and burn....and my fears may be right on target.......