In reply to malk:
> i disagree. all data should be released.
I couldn't disagree more with you. To me, this article is a prime example of why blood data should not be released to the public - for the following reasons:
1) the vast majority of the public (myself included) do not have the education or training to understand the data -
even when it's explained by somebody who does.
2) the majority of the public have no knowledge of the expert doing the interpreting, and therefore don't know how much to trust him. In this case, for example, who the heck is Michael Puchowicz M.D? Okay, he's a Medical Doctor, but I don't know if he's employed or associated with WADA or USADA, or not. For all I know, he could have an axe to grind, or he could be lying about his qualifications. I'm not saying he is - I'm just saying that I know nothing about him. So why should I trust his opinions over those of others?
3) too many of 'the public' approach the issue with preconceived ideas, prejudice and bias; and are therefore incapable of making a rational assessment of the data. Case in point: me, and this Chris Horner situation. Like many, I believe that Horner winning the vuelta, at 41, and beating a host of people who had performed exceptionally all season, looks uncomfortably dodgy. My natural reaction is to nod my head in sage agreement at any evidence that suggests he was doping - why? Because it agrees with my suspicions. This is opposite of what science is all about, and it's why I and people like me shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the real data.
So, in summary, I support the release of blood data to trusted organisations - WADA, USADA, even the UCI! :O - on the understanding that they employ a panel of experts whose job is to dispassionately analyse the data. I do not support, or even condone, releasing blood data to the public, because it leads to misinformation, kangaroo courts, and conflicting 'expert' advice - as demonstrated perfectly by this article in Outside.