All Things Considered is running a story tonight about what a great sport cycling is and how the 2007 Tour de France has been the most thrilling in years doping. Several local racers were interviewed on the lakefront path for possible use in the national broadcast. Hopefully the dumb parts will be edited out.

Things this interviewee might have said had he more time to gather his wits:

• » Surprised? Look, every trade has its cheats. Who on earth expects cycling to be any different? Accountants embezzle, salesmen lie, contractors cut corners, executives raid pensions. From a president who swindles an election to the guy who shakes the vending machine for a free Butterfinger, we’re a nation of cheats. Cheats in our world don’t get caught, they get promoted (or pardoned). So, no, of course I’m not surprised. Saddened, but not surprised.

• » Does it threaten “the sport”? The sport as it relates to us is doing just fine, thanks. Beginning categories are filled to capacity. Paths and training routes are crowded. Coaches and fitting services can charge an arm and a leg. The state of the sport is good and getting better.

• » Would it matter if the Tour were made easier? Not likely. Doping would still make the difference between winning and being pack fodder, and between being pack fodder and having a job at the bike shop. If the outfield walls were moved in a hundred feet, wouldn’t baseball players still be looking for every available edge?

Audio is available online here.