Breaking News: Riis Admits to Doping

By Jessica | Permalink |

No Comments | May 25th, 2007 | Trackback

riis I guess Mr. 60% isn’t just a funny nickname anymore.

When I was a rider in the 1990s, I worked extremely hard to get my results. I worked extremely hard, day in day out and I sacrificed a lot just even to be part of the best. In that time, the perspective on doping and preparation was wrong and misguided.

That also means that I did things that I shouldn’t have and I have regretted that ever since. Those were mistakes that I take the full responsibility for and I don’t have anyone to blame but myself. We all make mistakes and I think my biggest mistake was to let my ambition get the better of me. That I have had to deal with a long time ago and I am glad to say that I am a lot wiser now. Both in my personal and in my professional life.

What he doesn’t do is name a year he “did things he shouldn’t have,” but ~~I’m sure that will come out later. At least I hope it does.~~ apparently he announced during the press conference that he took the banned substances between 1993 and 1998.

You can read Riis’ full statement here.

UPDATE: There’s more from the press conference itself here, including the fact that Riis admitted to using not just EPO but also hormones and cortisone. There’s also this gem:

“My yellow jersey is in box at home, you can come and collect it,” said Riis of his Tour performance. “What matters to me is my memories.”

Riis’ doping was never a secret among his family. He said his wife and kids always knew. Riis refused to offer any comments about allegations of doping by former teammate Jan Ullrich. “I do not know whether he doped or not, and I do not care.”

And then over here there’s another lovely snippet:

“I’m proud of my results even though they were not completely honest,” he said. “I’m coming out today to secure the right future for the sport.”

And then from this article:

Asked if he was a worthy Tour de France winner, Riis replied: “No, I am not.”

Does heavy EPO use cause one to make contradictory statements? Is that one of the side effects? I wonder…

Riis also apparently said that team manager Walter Godefroot “turned a blind eye” to the doping that was going on in the team. Godefroot himself has said he knew there was doping going on because he’s “not deaf.” Godefroot has also said “The day will come, when I officially testify.” Methinks that day will be sooner rather than later now.