McQuaid: fans want more than scandal-free Tour
“This year’s Tour probably will go down as one of the cleanest on record,” International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid admitted ahead of today’s start of the three-week race. “But I don’t think one clean Tour de France is going to change the image and the perception of cycling in a lot of people’s minds. It’s going to take some time but it’s certainly a big step on the way.”
McQuaid praised tour owner Amaury Sports Organisation for taking a tough line on who it has allowed to enter after doping scandals dominated the past two Tours. The Astana team was excluded as punishment for past problems, despite being under new management and signing 2007 Tour winner Alberto Contador last winter. Belgian sprint specialist Tom Boonen has also been banished after testing positive for cocaine in an out-of-competition control.
