Alameda Runners – Get After It!

The sport of professional cycling continues to battle organized doping and the use of performance enhancing drugs in the pro peloton – an uphill battle that the anti-doping agencies believe they’re winning.

I know it’s extremely confusing and difficult to figure out all of these medical terms related to the drugs and methods behind cheating – and why these practices are banned.

Before I became a cyclist that wakes up every morning at ungodly hours to watch the Tour de France, I honestly didn’t care about the drugs these guys pumped into their bodies.  As my fascination with cycling continued to grow, I began to study the secretive, yet effective art of doping.

To help avoid going through the trouble of trying to explain it, and risk making a mistake, I’ll provide several online resources that are worth reading.  This Wall Street Journal blog goes into detail related to blood doping/transfusions, EPO, steroids, HGH use, and so-called “genetic doping.”

After the jump, I also provide links to a couple of different articles related to cheating…
The article also discusses the controversy surrounding blood spinning — a practice discussed by Tiger Woods — even though an actual performance edge for this practice remains unknown.  (It still seems more likely that he was ‘blood spinning’ using some type of drug, but we’ll have to wait to see if he tests positive.)

Pro cyclist Floyd Landis, who dropped a recent doping bombshell against Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Dave Zabriskie, and other American pro cyclists, has led to numerous new articles related to doping and common methods pro cyclists cheat.  If Landis is actually telling the truth, it could prove very detrimental for Lance — and his charity and non-profit work.  This AP article re-published on the Sports Illustrated website goes into specific details as to why there are legal ramifications related to doping.

Until then, it seems like some cyclists are using old methods to prevent getting popped for cheating … and the battle continues!