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The 19th with Joe O'Muircheartaigh 19th The 19th (14/8/07)
The 19th with Joe O'Muircheartaigh 19th The 19th (14/8/07) | The 19th (14/8/07) |
| Written by Joe O Muircheartaigh | |
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There’s a defining moment in the 1999 Danish documentary Doping on the Road that perfectly captures the drug-induced meltdown of professional cycling over the past decade. The face on the screen belongs to ‘Great Dane’ Bjarne Riis – it’s his victory in the 1996 Tour de France that is still held up as the greatest achievement by a Danish athlete. Greater than the true Great Danes of Peter Schmeichel, Brian Laudrap et al that won the 1992 European Soccer Championship. With the camera parked inches from his nose and every sweat gland shining, Riis is asked, “Have you ever doped yourself?” Riis’ eyes go into shock, expressing catatonic fear, anger, and the hurt that comes from having been betrayed. Registration is required to view this content, registration is FREE |
