Transcript of Oprah’s Interview with Jooper van Breunykirk, recently declared 7-time winner of the Tour de France
Oprah: When did you first learn you had won the Tour de France?
Jooper: I won the Tour de France?
Oprah: 7 times, from 1999-2005. Congratulations.
Jooper: Wow. Thank you. (Emotional). Thank you very much. (Pause). I never raced in the Tour de France.
Oprah: The World Anti-Doping Authority went down a long list of professional cyclists and you were the first clean rider they could find from those years.
Jooper: I was working at my Uncle’s bakery in Wijk bij Duurstede from 1999 to 2005.
Oprah: And now you are the most decorated rider in the history of the most prestigious bike race in the world.
Jooper: Mainly we made stroopwafels.
Oprah: I’m going to ask you a series of questions. Please just answer yes or no. Have you ever used performance-enhancing drugs?
Jooper: We’re talking about cycling, right? Or bedroom?
Oprah: Cycling.
Jooper: No.
Oprah: Have you ever used EPO?
Jooper: Hippo? I’m sorry, your accent.
Oprah: Do you feel like it’s possible to win the Tour de France without doping?
Jooper: I feel like it’s possible to win the Tour de France without even racing in the Tour de France, so yes, I think so.
Oprah: Tell us a little about the culture of cycling. Did you ever feel pressure from other riders to dope?
Jooper: I really haven’t ever had much contact with other riders. They ride so fast!
Oprah: Other than winning the Tour de France, what’s the best you’ve finished in a bike race?
Jooper: 114th. At the 2007 Tour de West Edmonton Mall. I guess I should check that now.
Oprah: We did. You won.
Jooper: Really? I ran over old woman coming out of Sunglass Hut.
Oprah: What do you say to kids out there who want to race clean?
Jooper: I guess I’d say do it, definitely, and stick with it, and 10 years later you might find out you’ve won the Tour de France multiple times.
Oprah: Is there anything you want to say to Lance Armstrong?
Jooper: Thank you?
Oprah: Are you still racing professionally?
Jooper: I am still baking, yes.
Oprah: We’re just getting word now that you’ve been awarded the single-season home run record.
Jooper: Is baseball, no?
Oprah: Yes.
Jooper: This is really amazing. Sitting here, talking to you, Oprah. Would you like a stroopwafel?
Oprah: Thank you.
Jooper: Is better warm.
Oprah: How does holding the single season home run record compare to winning the Tour de France?
Jooper: It’s hard to say. They’re really very different. I’m proud of them both. Is there any chance I’m getting a car today?