Everyone has heard by now that another TDF rider tested positive today. He was two-stage winner this year and dominant in the Pyrenees. He tested positive for a new EPO-type of drug - so new that it has only been available at the beginning of the year.
The doping labs said they are working with pharma companies to get an early look at drugs that might be used by athletes. This drug, Micera, is a more convenient form of EPO. The labs said they had the molecule some time ago to develop a test.
I bet some riders are nervous now thinking they could get away with this drug.
This is good news.....
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It already is a vicious cycle. It has been going on in sports for decades. But the good news is that the investment in testing is strong and growing.
I think there will always be cheaters in sports. I happen to believe it will always be a small minority of people - because if it became too common the testers would know and detection would be easier. I think it is also difficult to keep some things secret for long periods of time.
The test that caught Ricco is interesting because they had a test already for a drug that has only been available this year. I have to believe there are other cyclists out there who are sleeping badly right now because they thought "no way they have test for this new EPO already" and they were wrong....
Ricco's team sponsor has already said they are likely to abandon cycling. When sponsors leave - the sport is at risk.
It already is a vicious cycle. It has been going on in sports for decades. But the good news is that the investment in testing is strong and growing.
I think there will always be cheaters in sports. I happen to believe it will always be a small minority of people - because if it became too common the testers would know and detection would be easier. I think it is also difficult to keep some things secret for long periods of time.
The test that caught Ricco is interesting because they had a test already for a drug that has only been available this year. I have to believe there are other cyclists out there who are sleeping badly right now because they thought "no way they have test for this new EPO already" and they were wrong....
Ricco's team sponsor has already said they are likely to abandon cycling. When sponsors leave - the sport is at risk.
