With all the problems the sport of cycling was slowly and honourably over coming, it comes as quite a shock to know that some cyclists would still knowingly cheat despite the enormous scrutiny on the sport.

Enter Spain’s Manuel Beltran and Italy’s rising star Ricardo Ricco at the Tour de France. Beltran was caught doping and summarily kicked out of the race in disgrace. The odd thing about this sad episode is that Beltran is 38 years old and had no chance of winning. Unless, he thought that with no clear favorites he may have indeed had a chance - with a little help.

For his part, Ricco was starting to make waves at the Tour. His goal was to win two stages and he not only accomplished this goal he also carried the polka dot jersey. Then he tested for EPO.

Both riders headed in opposite directions in their careers miscalculated. If anything, they now leave behind a legacy that wallows in its utter stupidity. Ricco in particular has taken his personal arrogance to a new level.

Raffael Palmeiro is waiting for your call, Manuel and Ricardo.

I wonder who’s next.