After all the controversy of late, I decided to do a little google research and answer a few long-standing questions that have evaded me concerning the use of EPO. I love the web, you can find answers to anything. Sure enough I did this time as well. Before you flame me for thinking everything on the internet is true, read the stories. I sure learned a lot.
Chad
The first link is to a story published by a number of doctors from the Australian Institute of Sport. Among other things it addresses the problem with using an arbitrary level of 50 percent for hematocrit as the determination of “safe” competition.
http://www.sportsci.org/news/news9703/AISblood.html
This one is a short article that talks about the first doc who claimed he could detect the use of EPO, but it also has a short explanation of why Pantani tested for higher than 50 percent in ’99 and was kicked out of the Giro.
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/coachsci/csa/vol56/dutch.htm
This one is the least credible because it is a Mexican doctor(?) who says using EPO and other drugs is just another way to extend your life and live better. It starts with a very interesting story of a cyclist who starts using EPO and has some startling results.