Poachers

I am generally a proponent of stricter punishment for dopers. I think it's time the UCI and the national federations got serious about punishing riders who have destroyed the creditability of our sport. At this point it feels like nothing is going to get through to these offenders. Now with riders like Heras, Basso and Landis returning from their bans and looking for teams to ride for how can we expect to regain the respect we deserve if its the usual suspects lining are up at the Giro, Tour de Gila or local parking lot crit. On the same token I realise that these riders have dedicated their lives to riding bike, they never obtained advanced degrees, they simply decided cycling was the thing they wanted to do and hoped when they were too old someone would pick them up as a commentator. That's why I really like the Poacher turned Game Keeper approach. Yes you've made a mistake, given into pressure and doped, now you hold your racing future in your hands. Attempt to assist the WADA, UCI or National Federation and receive a deferred sentence, say a year long ban but once completed you can return to the peloton and race. However if you are caught doping again, the full weight of your first and second come down on you. Lifetime ban, sorry you've had your chance now it is time to go.