I believe he simply competed in a time where many really good racers were doping, and if you want to check all the boxes, that was one you had to seriously cons

I believe he simply competed in a time where many really good racers were doping, and if you want to check all the boxes, that was one you had to seriously consider. This. I've personally always suspected he was doping. Not because of any complaints about his character (I always did and continue to admire him) but because I just have a hard time believing anyone could make it so far in this sport without using performance-enhancing drugs. It's a big part of the reason why stage racing is not my favorite cycling event.