Change the Name to Tour de Fakes

In light of Floyd Landis’ now questionable victory, perhaps a few new jersey categories should be up for grabs in the Tour de France. Along with the leader’s yellow and jerseys for best rookie, best sprinter and best climber, might I suggest a scarlet jersey with a big “C” for cheater to be given to those who find doping an acceptable alternative to hard training and being satisfied with one’s natural ability.

I might also suggest a white jersey offered to all those who have never used performance-enhancing drugs. Let’s just hope those guys won’t all be in the back.

STEPHANIE BECKER

Burbank

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Contrary to what appears to be a tidal wave of condemnation, there are a few of us who question the validity of the tests performed on Floyd Landis’ urine sample. To instill a degree of confidence, different labs should have been used. And we question the appropriateness of even using urine. Our physician argues that using a blood test would have been far better in producing more trustworthy results. So with these questions in mind, we’re not ready to join the bandwagon and throw Landis under the bus.

MURIEL SCHUERMAN

Downey

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Floyd Landis and Justin Gatlin may yet be proven innocent of using performance-enhancing drugs, but the damage is done. What do we tell young people today when sports heroes so easily disappoint? Should they quit believing that heroes in sports exist? Should they believe athletes who don’t use performance-enhancing drugs are a small minority? I certainly hope not.

Young people need to continue to aspire to be the best. And there are plenty of athletes out there who are setting good examples. The lesson here is not to stop believing that ordinary people can rise to the level of greatness. It is rather to believe that those who excel in sports do so through dedication, hard work, discipline and perseverance. And, they do it without cheating.

F. PATRICK ESCOBAR

Vice President,

Amateur Athletic Foundation

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For crying out loud: Let a Frenchman win the dumb race already. Put an end to this eight-year whine-fest.

EARL EAGER ALBERT

Temple City

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I sure miss the good old days -- when cycling made the front page of the sports section once a year.

LARRY YELLS

Hermosa Beach