Considering what a nice guy Tyler is, and how well he is regarded in the peleton, it is surprising that nobody (not even Lance) is coming to get his back by saying "I know Tyler and he would never do this" that indicates to me that they know everyone is dirty and don't want to be looked at as hypocrites by other Pro riders" The excerpts from Lance's comments on the Tyler issue were like he was commenting on a rider who wasn't a close friend but someone who he only knew from racing against.

i think the poster who said that they now know why the French still love Virenque,hit it on the head. Its hard to forget everything you know about a guy after something like this.

If you go to Tyler's home page guest book you will see about 200 people who are deep denial about his being guilty. Interesting.

Anyone see any comments from other pros about TH?

-Nik

Not necessarily a condemnation. This whole doping thing is way too hot right now. My guess is everybody is laying low unless/until it is their turn in the box. Supporting Tyler openly is not going to enhance their standing or reputation, but it sure could hirt it. The best case scenario for Tyler now is to be "technically" cleared by somehow showing the tests or the testing process to be tainted. Even then, the doubt and stigma will be tatooed to him for ever, and nobody will want to share that. Very sad, if by some crazy circumstance this is all a huge mistake.

For the record Armstrong DID comment and say very complimentary things about Hamilton. When the story broke Lance spoke to the Austin beat writer that covers him. If I had the paper still I'd give you exacts. It wasn't a full I'm pissed as hell swinging Lance but he was very supportive of Tyler and not trying to distance himself.

I don't know if it went out on the AP but if it did look for VeloNews and the boys at cyclingnews to pick it up.

Teo is right: Lance piped up for Tyler. I can't remember where I saw it (probably Velonews), but the gist of the comment was (1) its very surprising that he would be accused of this, and (2) Tyler is a good friend.

For what it's worth, I think that you have to suspend judgment until Tyler marshalls his case. I agree that it doesn't look good. If you read the really well done interview on Cyclingnews of the scientist who helped develop the test in question (written by John Stevenson), there seems to be little doubt that Tyler had a transfusion. But that is what you would expect to hear from a proponent for the validity of the test. I'd like to see the other side's argument.

From Cyclingnews

Armstrong on Hamilton
At home in Austin, Texas preparing for upcoming events Tour Of Hope and Ride For The Roses, Lance Armstrong commented to Austin American-Statesman reporter Suzanne Halliburton about the news about his friend and Girona, Spain neighbor Tyler Hamilton.

"I'm surprised, but I also know this is the beginning of a long process," Armstrong said, referring to the tests needed to be done on Hamilton's B samples. "From my experiences with Tyler, he's as honest and straightforward as anyone I know. He's a friend of mine, and I'm just as surprised as anybody else is about this."

I don't know if this is the whole statement, but based on the quote provided, Armstrong is obviously concerned about his friend, and the statement certainly has the implication of support. But it's not outright support, and it's worded in such a way that he could easily moonwalk out of the statement if needed. He doesn't say "it can't be true" or "it must be a mistake" or "Tyler can't be lying" or anything that emphatic. He simply states he is "as surprised as anybody" and "(Tyler is) as honest...as anyone I know".

I don't mean to split hairs or get deep into symantics, but this seems like the kind of cryptic response we've come to expect on this issue. I would guess that sponsors, team execs, and team lawyers are coaching their riders to hold their mugs unless absolutely necessary. I hope Armstrong or some other padrone level guy steps up to the plate and proves my thinking wrong, but I doubt that will happen under the current circumstance. Armstrong is probably one of the only guys who could step up and make a difference, given his Alpha status and the fact that he is already under constant fire anyway.

All IMHO, of course.