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From the previous link
The report also raised concerns about doping in over-40s racing, stating that: “Masters races were said to have middle-aged businessmen winning on EPO, with some of them training as hard as professional riders and putting in comparable performances.” It also conjured up the surreal image of professional riders explaining that “they no longer ride in Gran Fondos” – popular, lengthy timed events run mainly in Italy – “because they were so competitive due to the number of riders doping”.
Another case in 2012 involved a 47-year-old member of the Danish Cycling Federation’s board, who tested positive for testosterone and cortisone in a veteran’s race.
Saddly, like the pro sport, we wont know for sure.
terrible for the sport
@ mr blooby ok sorry misread
Vets racing can still be quite senior though, and filled with former pros. The Gran Fondo thing is interesting, on the continent there's long been a history of top banned riders turning up!
At the sharp end of sportive "racing" I'd not be surprised! Have you seen how competitive some people are?
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/cyclists-told-to-take-proper-drugs-2015030996071
😆 ^^
trevron73 - MemberIf you lost everything would you be tempted to cheat ?
It's the old conundrum though, if other people are cheating and getting away with it, then the pressure to cheat is huge- you're talking about the risk of getting caught and losing everything, vs the certainty of not being competitive against a cheat.
Which isn't to make excuses but it's not simple.
Daily Mash, right as ever : )
Sure, and it may be just as important to them to win, but not for maintaining your living. You may race 'seriously' but it's simply sport for fitness and motivation, doping at that level seems laughable, you're kidding yourself even more than Pros who can at least see it as keeping them earning. Maybe there are high enough stakes but I didn't think the money was there unless a rider's tipped to be a Pro-contract hopeful.Amateurs train in some cases just as hard as the pro's, and results are just as important.
doping at that level seems laughable, you're kidding yourself
We know that, but the fact is it is happening. What I'm saying is that I can see how people can lose that perspective.
I don't know why it would come as a surprise that amateurs would be interested in short cuts though, just look at what goes on in amateur body building.
I was rather surprised to find how many pro peloton riders are apparently asthmatic.
Very prolific in athletics. Mobot is 'asthmatic' apparently.
I went into the cafe near work today and the owner greeted me with "I heard on the radio this morning that 90% of cyclists take drugs."
Awesome...
I'm sure 90% of us have taken a paracetamol at some point 😉
Curious as to what they put in asthma inhalers these days given that when I was in school in the 80's the asthmatic in the class in school games lessons would need medical treatment if he accidentally scored a run in cricket.
And yes in the 80's there was like one single asthmatic in the year.
How can I catch asthma? - I reckon it might help me ride up mountains!
When there's big bucks involved we'd expect dopers. But at amateur level? Is that to get into the pro ranks in the first place, make the most of a lack of tests and get spotted?
I've a friend who lives and rides in Switzerland and epo is apparently pretty common amongst the well off amateurs. Both those who're young and trying to win pro contracts and those who are old and have a lot of disposable income. Epo isn't cheap, but if you're in your 50's and have a lot of free time to ride and a lot of money, I can see why it'd appealing.
Mrblobby, I suppose it's not surprising, just me forgetting what some people ride for. Can't relate to it at all.