Why can't they just stay away?!

As you've no doubt already heard, Lance is back in the pack and will be lining up for the 2009 Giro alongside old pal Ivan Basso. Vino is floating a return to Astana and Floyd is back on his bike too. To top it all off, Ricco wants a reduced sentance after being kicked off the Tour this year. Seriously, is it any wonder the sport is struggling.

I'm as much a supporter of the presumption of innocence as the next jaded vigilante, but once they're done they should be out of the game for good. Having these old and dirty blokes lining up to start in '09 is bad news. Bad for the sponsors, who thought they were finally rid of these guys, bad for the young riders who now get pushed back down by older, less scrupulous riders, and bad for the image of a sport that just can't seem to make a break for it.

My opinion - once you're done, you're done. Retired? See-ya. Charged? Lock em up. No more bikes, boys.

I'm sick to death of the powers that be allowing these guys back into the sport on the mistaken premise that they'll bring in the revenue. No. Bring up some young, clean riders. Win us back with displays of true humility, teamwork and dedication. Then, and only then, will you have supporters, and thus sponsors, clamoring at the gates.

Till then, it's back to the bad-ol days. Next thing Ullrich will be pulling on some lycra...
Say it ain't so.