The crux of the scandal revolving around Lance Armstrong, although the American is the figurehead for a generation of cyclists, has largely been missed. In the last 15 years, almost every podium place in the Tour de France has been taken by a rider who has failed a doping test, or has admitted to taking banned substances.
Fortunately, and especially for us Brits, Bradley Wiggins is a notable and worthy exception. As is Chris Froome, who came home second in this year's edition. This alone may serve as notice that the sport has turned the corner in the immediate aftermath. But it's the aftertaste of discovering the doping was so rife in cycling that lingers. And it will do for a very, very long time to come.Armstrong was a hero of the sport. He'd battled cancer and won, before claiming seven victories in the greatest and toughest cycling race in the world. Riders revered him, but everyone respected him. And as much as the muddying of Armstrong's name has been the headline act in sports media since this scandal emerged, the fact doping has been so widespread has shown cycling is a sport rotten to the core.
Cycling's profile now will undoubtedly have been hurt for years to come. But it wont be far from the headlines thanks in part to Sky having more than a vested interest in regaining the trust of the public. This media involvement ensures you will be led to believe that cycling is now squeaky clean. Not a whiff of drugs near it anymore. Armchair Athlete, for one, is not quite so willing to drawn in so easily once again.
