In these days of scandal, it's difficult not to ask whether we should attribute such a dramatic turnaround in physical performance to some performance-enhancing drug. At the very least, it's likely Landis got a cortisone shot (which I think the cycling body has approved because of his hip condition). The question is whether something else was involved. I don't even know whether the latest stuff can work overnight, but if there is anything that falls in this category, I would test him for it. I hate to impugn Floyd's stage victory with such unfounded insinuations, and perhaps the answer is that if everyone else is doing it then the competition is even, but surely I'm not the only one for whom it has crossed his or her mind.

I second Gordon's "wow." Landis has handled himself admirably on the Tour. He has been especially diplomatic when talking of the Phonak team which, with the exception of Axel Merkx, has provided him with little support.

As to doping, stage winners are tested every day. Why not just accept that he had a bad day yesterday on a very tough mountain stage -- and had an amazing day today?

I wish I could just accept that he followed a bad day with a good one, but cycling has been too dirty for too long for such blind faith. If the recent investigations and suspensions have weeded out the worst offenders among cyclists and teams, it would make it that much easier to turn in a dramatically better performance than your competitors. And, testing is obviously still not a panacea.

Doping has been a cloud over cycling for a long time. Sure, it crosses my mind when I watch an amazing performance, but until I am convinced that the sport is so tainted that it isn't worth watching, I don't see the point of raising it after every great ride. Ok, we know that doping is a possible explanation for one of the greatest rides of all time. And we do what with that knowledge?

Why of course, Gordon, we attack the reputation of professional athletes without the slightest of evidence that they themselves doped! :) How ridiculous. What a great ride. Congrats to Landis for getting back in the race.

Stunning ride, absolutely stunning.