At first blush, Ricco would be a glaring exception, it seems that proportionally more of the older cyclists are being caught.
Strictly from a financial point of view it would make sense; lengthening career shadows as you race in your thirties, teams looking for the next fine young cannibal, decreased performance levels looming, if you use the stuff it may prolong your career for 2-4 years - get caught, and the downside is much less - you were close to getting out or being dropped in pay or by the team anyway.
The3 libery seguros riders were all past 30, as were Danilo, Astarloza, Sella, Piepoli, Rasmussen, Landis. Obviously there are (Bondi -28, Kohl) others that are younger, I simply wonder if the older riders' catch rates seem proportionally higher to you guys as well.
Full Version: Is there an age related trend?
QUOTE(micomico @ Sep 18 2009, 11:18 AM) 
At first blush, Ricco would be a glaring exception, it seems that proportionally more of the older cyclists are being caught.
Strictly from a financial point of view it would make sense; lengthening career shadows as you race in your thirties, teams looking for the next fine young cannibal, decreased performance levels looming, if you use the stuff it may prolong your career for 2-4 years - get caught, and the downside is much less - you were close to getting out or being dropped in pay or by the team anyway.
The3 libery seguros riders were all past 30, as were Danilo, Astarloza, Sella, Piepoli, Rasmussen, Landis. Obviously there are (Bondi -28, Kohl) others that are younger, I simply wonder if the older riders' catch rates seem proportionally higher to you guys as well.
Maybe, maybe not. But good question.
Given that two of the three Liberty Seguros guys are playing deja vu together, it looks like at least some of the older riders are just hardened to never changing their ways. In some cases, maybe it is just that the older you are the more opportunities you provide to get caught.
Dave.
QUOTE(micomico @ Sep 18 2009, 11:18 AM)
At first blush, Ricco would be a glaring exception, it seems that proportionally more of the older cyclists are being caught.
Strictly from a financial point of view it would make sense; lengthening career shadows as you race in your thirties, teams looking for the next fine young cannibal, decreased performance levels looming, if you use the stuff it may prolong your career for 2-4 years - get caught, and the downside is much less - you were close to getting out or being dropped in pay or by the team anyway.
The3 libery seguros riders were all past 30, as were Danilo, Astarloza, Sella, Piepoli, Rasmussen, Landis. Obviously there are (Bondi -28, Kohl) others that are younger, I simply wonder if the older riders' catch rates seem proportionally higher to you guys as well.
I dunno--what about Thomas Dekker's suspicious values and Frank Schleck's Fuentes payments. For me the most important fact about doping this year is the complete lack of any Tour De France positives--me me that proves that the big teams have all figured out how to beat the biopassport and the controls. So it's old guys, or guys on small teams without the funds who get caught. It would be nice to think there's been a generational shift and now, for the first time ever, cycling is a clean sport. But I don't think that's the case.
Good question. However, Kohl/Sinkewitz/Sella all relatively young sorta disprove the theory.
QUOTE(Andrew @ Sep 18 2009, 02:16 PM)
For me the most important fact about doping this year is the complete lack of any Tour De France positives--me me that proves that the big teams have all figured out how to beat the biopassport and the controls.
To me that was to be expected once the UCI made the deal with the owners of ASO to fire the previous director, remove the FFC, and invite Bruyneel's team back in. I think that it is less the technical deceit by the big teams and riders, as the fact that the corrupt UCI and had regained control over the drug tests.
steve
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