Tyler Hamilton

Tyler Hamilton is a hero among U.S. cyclists in Europe, and has always seemed like a very straightforward, honest guy. Recently he failed some drug tests and he is claiming innocence. Based on his past character, one would have to believe that the tests are wrong. But the scientists are insisting otherwise. And even other U.S. cyclists are waivering a bit.

This goes beyond cycling. It is one of those strange character things, and I, for one, am very interested in seeing if he can prove his innocence. It's one of those "if you can't believe him, who can you believe?" things

The NY Times wrote up a very interesting piece on the topic.

One American cyclist at the show, Bobby Julich, had other questions. Julich had roomed with Hamilton in Athens and won the bronze medal in the time trial. He said the suspicions about Hamilton "go against everything I've ever known from the guy." But, he added: "The rest of us at the Olympics passed the test. Why didn't he?"

Julich took a deep breath.

"I'm sick of people who cheat, sick of cleaning up their mess and trying to explain it," he said.

Then, a pause.

"There is heavy evidence against him," he said. "With that much evidence, I don't know how he's going to get out of it."