Beltran Revives the War Against Doping: Liquigas Out of 2009 Tour?

Manuel Beltran's "A" sample from the Tour de France came back positive for EPO. This much is factual. However, the rider's "B" sample has not yet been tested, so theoretically Beltran should be considered innocent until the second test comes back. Unfortunately, in this world of instant news via the Internet, it is very rare that any athlete receives due process.

This is not to say that Beltran should not be castigated. It is unlikely that a second sample won't come back positive. Beltran is almost without a doubt guilty, but is he the only one? Is it all his fault? Often, the rider is hung out to dry on his own, and is the only one who faces sanctioning and penalties. None of the coaches, the team, or management usually face any traditional sanctioning, which is a shame. But times are changing for the better.

New teams like Columbia and Garmin-Chipotle are very careful about who they bring onto their team. They do extensive background research into each rider as an assurance that the rider is clean. Indeed, a rider like Beltran with a questionable past would NEVER be associated with a team like Garmin or Columbia. Other teams need to be more careful about who they choose to hire, as a rider who tests positive can now cost a team dearly in the months and years following their sanction.

The Liquigas team will be an interesting squad to watch over the next several months. They will be allowed to continue in the Tour, and will avoid the 100,000 euro fine because they took immediate action and removed beltranfrom the race. But what about next year? Now that one of their riders has tested positive, will the acid green and blue team be invited back to the Tour next year?

Adding to the situation is that Ivan Basso, currently on suspension for doping, will be making his come back in Liquigas colors. Will the organizers of the Tour de France be willing to have Basso ride their race (providing he is fit enough) or will they choose to leave Liquigas off the invite list next year? Nothing is for sure, but Beltran's transgression certainly didn't do his former team any favors.