Date:05/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/05/stories/2008070554451800.htm

Sport - Cycling

‘It’s going to be a clean Tour’

PARIS: The fight against doping will have different rules at this year’s Tour de France, with officials sticking closely to the cyclists in a bid to ensure none slips through the testers’ net.

More random tests before and during the race, an international network of anti-doping resources, a breakthrough in detecting human growth hormone within 24 hours and eight specially-trained chaperones to shadow riders means there should be little chance of an escape route for any would-be Tour cheat.

“There’s just been so much testing this year that it’s going to be a clean Tour. It has to be,” said veteran Australian cyclist Stuart O’Grady. “I can’t see any other (way). It would be fantastic for the sport, and the sport needs it. We need to get rid of the idiots.” — AP