Doping in the TDF

[ilima]

If a drug is not on the "banned" list, is taking it "cheating" ?

I'm not advocating drugs....Just sayin....

I believe WADA's code has language to describe what drugs do, not just the names of specific drugs. For example, anything that "Artificially enhancing the uptake, transport or delivery of oxygen" is banned. Anabolic steroids are listed as "including but not limited to."

So, the language allows for new stuff that's developed.

[Tri Girl]

For example, anything that "Artificially enhancing the uptake, transport or delivery of oxygen" is banned.

One day Phil and Paul said they wouldn't allow a rider to use his inhaler for his asthma (well, I guess they would allow it, but then he'd be banned for taking a banned substance). I guess that falls under the "artificially enhancing the uptake, transport or delivery of oxygen." That's rough.

[ilima]

One day Phil and Paul said they wouldn't allow a rider to use his inhaler for his asthma (well, I guess they would allow it, but then he'd be banned for taking a banned substance). I guess that falls under the "artificially enhancing the uptake, transport or delivery of oxygen." That's rough.

Alessandro Petacchi was famously banned for several months because he took too big of a hit off his inhaler after the stage. He was allowed to use the inhaler, but the level in his blood was too high.

The Italian federation chalked it up to human error, but CAS overruled that and really screwed him over, IMO.

[Aggie_Ama]

My thought is the Alps being on the back this year may have something to do with it. They are the harder range, I think they may have some pop up later. Also they are saying (per Cyclingnews, sorry no link) there are some new drugs they are developing tests on. They also think there was blood doping but I think that is very hard to catch if they are trying to cover it. There were a few guys that never seemed to have a day to rest, but performed amazing on the hardest stages. That just seems a little hard to believe but they are professionals, right?

[SadieKate]

One day Phil and Paul said they wouldn't allow a rider to use his inhaler for his asthma (well, I guess they would allow it, but then he'd be banned for taking a banned substance). I guess that falls under the "artificially enhancing the uptake, transport or delivery of oxygen." That's rough.

Romain Feillu - he had to withdraw from the TdF because of it.