The Festina Affair

The 1998 Tour de France, fondly called the 'Tour du Dopage,' unfurled arguably the biggest doping scandal in cycling history - "The Festina Affair." From team mass arrests to rider protests against police treatment, the event was steeped in controversy, leading to an intensive reevaluation of drug prevention measures in the sport.

Lance Armstrong Saga

Lance Armstrong's stunning fall from grace is possibly the most famous doping scandal not just in the Tour De France, but in all of sports history. Armstrong, a 7-time Tour de France winner and a symbol of hope for millions after surviving cancer, was stripped of all his titles in 2012 after a detailed USADA report established his involvement in a sophisticated doping programme.

Operation Puerto

In 2006, cycling faced yet another major scandal, referred to as "Operation Puerto". This involved a Spanish doctor, Eufemiano Fuentes, who had developed an intricate blood-doping network that implicated several top cyclists, causing them to withdraw in disgrace from the Tour that year.

Changing Perspectives

These scandals, and many more, have profoundly affected the perception of professional cycling, raising eyebrows and spawning a culture of skepticism even towards genuine victories. However, they've also prompted substantial reforms aimed at preserving the sport's integrity.

Cycling's War Against Doping

Post these controversies, the anti-doping efforts in cycling have dramatically intensified. Implementations of a biological passport system and comprehensive, unannounced testing regimes throughout the year are steps the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has introduced to combat doping. Teams and riders are strongly advocating cleaner cycling, setting an example for aspiring generations.

Conclusion

While the specter of doping has undeniably marred the reputation of the Tour de France, it has also triggered a significant shift in how the sport addresses cheating and unethical practices. These scandals serve as cautionary tales, underlining the importance of sporting integrity over the glimmer of transient glory.

The journey to restoring trust and credibility is a long, arduous climb, much like the Tour's painful Alpine ascents. Still, the commitment to promoting clean cycling assures that the spirit of fair competition continues to be the heart of this legendary race.