Herbert wrote:
Someone earlier today asked me how much cheating there is in IRONMAN racing and I suggested the following numbers.
- At least 10% of all age groupers in IRONMAN dope
- At least 40% of all age groupers in IRONMAN draft willingly regularly
- At least 5% of all age groupers in IRONMAN cheat otherwise
These numbers however are not mutually exclusive.
What say you?
- At least 10% of all age groupers in IRONMAN dope If this were accurate, I too think it includes products that people don't even know are illegal and/or make very little difference. I also agree with those that say EPO is -not- common among AG'ers. It is not -that- easy to get, it is very expensive, it is dangerous if stored incorrectly, it is dangerous if too much used. I find it very hard to believe that even 1% of AG'ers use it. Yes I know there have been 'studies', but correct me if I'm wrong, those 'studies' are based on volunteer responses from a sample of people, hardly scientific.
- At least 40% of all age groupers in IRONMAN draft willingly regularly I think this is only accurate if you truly measure the drafting strictly by the rules, X amount of meters. Probably lots of us are in the 'draft' zone sometimes without even realizing it or for a bit longer than we should be. Do I always know that I am say 14m behind someone vs 10m?? But if it is being implied that 40% are purposely riding inches from someones wheel like in a road race, I think that number is way high.
- At least 5% of all age groupers in IRONMAN cheat otherwise As mentioned, if this -doesn't- include peeing, then I too think it is high. But maybe I am missing other ways that people cheat? I don't think many people try to, or are able to, cut course. Littering maybe? Accepting handouts (food or otherwise) from family members?