But Pantani was great to watch, and there was never any suggestion that he behaved the way Armstrong did towards other riders etc. (and in fact, Armstrong treated with him with a patronising contempt). Most of our cycling heroes doped: Merckx, Hinault and other legends - probably almost everyone who has won the Tour or any other major race - and cheating has been part of what has made cycle racing so fascinating from day one. Time is generally quite kind to people involved in such a brutal sport. I expect that in a few years' time, even Lance Armstrong won't be quite such the hate figure he is now... especially if he comes clean and tells all at some point.
None of this is to condone doping - I think it isn't taken seriously enough in terms of the health dangers involved, especially to younger riders. But Pantani being celebrated in a positive way isn't a bad way to remember him, especially if it starts debates about why he should or shouldn't be remembered. It's not as if I'm trying to whitewash the fact thay he doped. And it's not as if he's going to gain personally from it, being dead and all...
The pics aren't clear enough to narrow the routing down to specific roads,but Cushendall - Belfast is going to be fast and furious.
