One willing to pump himself full of illegal substances to be able to push on beyond his natural ability?
Who was it who said "I remember the last look he gave me - he poked his tongue out and had 5 tablets on it."
It was known how far he'd go to win, they named his "drug of choice" (Todrin ?). Seems like double standards to me, he's looked back on through rose tinted glasses because he's british.
What I did admire about Simpson was his determination to win, and his ability to push himself to the limits of his
natural abilities. In 1956, at the age of 19, he was part of the GB squad in the Melbourne Olympics. Later, he took himself off to France to get himself noticed. He was the first Brit to win the TdF
maillot jaune, he won the World Pro Road Racing Championship, and performed admirably in a number of other events. He was enigmatic and popular with the public and other riders.
The use of drugs in cycling is well documented, and it was a mixture of Tonedrin and alcohol (in combination with the extreme conditions on Mt. Ventoux in '67) that ultimately cost Simpson his life, but don't be under the illusion that he was the only user in '67, or at every other Tour and other major sporting event since. I'm aware this doesn't excuse the use of drugs and I'm not sure if cycling will ever be totally free of drugs or other enhancements. But I can assure you that I would never condone the taking of performance enhancing drugs in any sport, whatever the offender's nationality.
I've never worn rose tinted glasses - the colour clashes with my bike, but do I have a bias to British riders? Well, speaking as an Englishman, then yes I do. Just as the Spanish cheer for Contador, Luxembourgers cheer for Schleck, Aussies cheer for
Evans etc... I love to see the Brits doing well. But that doesn't mean that I don't have respect for riders of other nationalities - ALL the Tours contestants have my admiration. No double standards here!
