Police raids and edgy press conferences, is it the noughties all over again?

Investigators searching the houses and offices of Bahrain Victorious riders and staff bring back uncomfortable memories.

Bahrain Victorious cars
(Image credit: THOMAS SAMSON/Getty)

When news broke of more Police raids on the homes of Bahrain Victorious riders it took me back, and not to a good place. In Strasbourg, 2006, I was standing watching the Tour de France team presentation as the riders were ferried to the stage in boats, having travelled along the French city’s canals in front of the crowds. But celebrations were muted, and everyone was tense.

Throughout the evening the sky turned ever darker; the storm clouds were gathering, both literally and figuratively. It felt like less a celebration of the riders and more like a walk, or float, of shame.

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