Tyler Hamilton

Tyler Hamilton

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Jersey yellow

Gold medal olympic

Tyler Hamilton (born March 1, 1971) is a former professional road racing cyclist from the United States, whose career spanned from 1995 to 2008. Hamilton became well-known for his racing achievements in the late 1990s and early 2000s before becoming a central figure in the doping scandal that rocked the world of professional cycling.

Early Life and Career

Hamilton was born in Marblehead, Massachusetts, and began his cycling career while attending the University of Colorado Boulder. He quickly made a name for himself in the amateur cycling circuit, which led to his professional debut in 1995 with the US Postal Service cycling team.

Professional Career

Throughout his professional career, Hamilton rode for several top teams, including US Postal Service, Team CSC, and Phonak Hearing Systems. He was known for his abilities as a climber and a time trial specialist, which made him a valuable asset to his teams in Grand Tour races.

Hamilton's most notable achievements include winning a gold medal in the time trial at the 2004 Athens Olympics, stage wins in the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, and overall victory at the 2003 Liège–Bastogne–Liège. However, his career was not without controversy.

Doping Controversy

In 2004, Hamilton tested positive for blood doping and was subsequently banned from professional cycling for two years. Despite initially denying the allegations, Hamilton later admitted to doping and became an outspoken critic of the culture of drug use in professional cycling. His admissions and cooperation with anti-doping authorities provided a detailed insight into the systemic doping practices within the sport.

Hamilton's experiences and revelations about doping in cycling were detailed in his book, "The Secret Race," which won the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year award in 2012.

Post-Cycling Career

After retiring from professional cycling, Hamilton has been involved in various anti-doping initiatives and has worked to promote clean sport. He has also become a sought-after public speaker, sharing his story and the lessons learned from his experiences in professional cycling.

Legacy

Tyler Hamilton's legacy in the world of professional cycling is complex. While his athletic achievements were significant, his career is also a reminder of the widespread issue of doping in the sport during his era. Hamilton's candid admissions and willingness to expose the doping culture have contributed to ongoing efforts to clean up cycling and ensure fair competition.