At this point in time every vested interest in cycling is in maintaining the status quo. ie: "The riders are clean" "The sport is clean" and ergo "Lance is clean".
Even if a top rider tested positive according to the levels set right now I would suspect it is in the best interest of the UCI or Tour de (any tour) to allow the rider to continue and conceal the positive results.
A random inconsequential rider should be found testing positive at each event to make appearances look good.
We know from studies that all of these athletes are within a few percent of each other and we know from studies that the advantage gained from a single doping procedure or substance can be as great as 8%. It only goes to follow that any cyclist that tests positive and is not winning the tour is a clear indication that everyone ahead of him is doping.
There are those that argue that the finishing order remains the same and the 'dopers' all are on a level playing field. The equation has now become n * EPO + n * HGH + n * IGF + n * corticosteroids, bronchodilators, vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, potent analgesics creatine (etc) = winner
To some this is acceptable but to riders that ride clean it is detestable.
I have been gather information that makes me certain that for the most part almost all athletes in all sports use procedures or substances that violate the rules or the spirit of the rules in almost every sport and at almost every level once economic gain is perceived by the athlete or his handlers.
I don't know why Lemond is so upset about Lance's doping. There is quite a bit of evidence that Lemond used procedures and substances while working with Eddie B and beyond.
Armstrong has right to be upset as there is usually a code of silence among criminals.
