I was talking to a Doc at an X-Mas party the other night. I was asked if there were going to be drug tests at my race in June…of course the answer was “no”. It was then offered that for a very minimal fee I could have folks tested for the basic’s (stuff that is common to get and use with out an MD’s constant assistance). Typical steroids and hemocrit levels…
I have a feeling that if drug testing for AG’ers was in place that may be putting a finger in a hornets nest - or would you all think that it would be something intersting to see? All in all it would cost about $100 for a blood test…
Why would that matter? Maybe it is just USAT points, maybe there is another “key race”…cheating is cheating. I dont think that most 1/2’s would make someone want to start doping…but doping about 6 weeks out from IMLP on the other hand…
I think the results would be interesting. Doping is more prevalent in the AG ranks then most believe or are willing to believe. Don’t announce the test. See what you catch.
There are a couple reasons why I think it is important
The incentive for people to cheat for your race
More importantly you have no enforceability over AGers who refuse to take a drug test, the best you can do is refuse to give them prize money or other prizes and refuse entry into future events that you hold, otherwise, AGers can just say, sorry dude, I’m not taking the drug test, and you really have no recourse.
But what about the people who may be on drugs? How would you feel getting 6th and have 1-5 all be on PED’s? Why is it that highschool sports are now testing for PED’s but we in Tri are not? I am not saying I am going to have tests - I was posed a question and the answer is unknown. Maybe it would be funny to tell folks race day that there will be tests for the winners of AG’s and see if anyone walks away…would that be like not taking a breath test at a DUI stop? I know in Illinois that is “presumed guilty”…
Although AGer’s don’t earn prize moneys or get paid to compete, I think you should go thru with it.
But if you really want something “interesting to see”, you should announce it on race day (or the day before). To see how many slowly strange performances you would get from top AGer’s (if any). Or DNS/DNF.
Don’t take me wrong, I am not saying top AGer’s dope. Just that it would be interesting to see… and you would still have the “fair-play” story to back you up if anyone confronts you with the decision of having a drug test. It’s not about prize moneys. It’s fair play.
I would be MORE likely to come to the race if there was drug testing, providing it did not add too much cost. If I train hard(which I haven't yet :) ), I sure don't want someone beating me who was on drugs. Of course if they're THAT motivated for results, they are probably training harder too...
“I think the results would be interesting. Doping is more prevalent in the AG ranks then most believe or are willing to believe. Don’t announce the test. See what you catch.”
Why and what do you base this on? Going on a EPO cycle is quite expensive and requires some knowledge on how to use it effectively. I’m not sure I disagree with your statements but would be interested why you think this?
It’d be interesting to see what you’d find. I’ve kinda wondered the prevalence of certain stuff. Simple things like a huge amount of caffeine and such.
You know there would be one guy on like elephant steroids or some weird shit.
Why and what do you base this on? Going on a EPO cycle is quite expensive and requires some knowledge on how to use it effectively. I’m not sure I disagree with your statements but would be interested why you think this?
Why do I say this? Why would I not say this.
I’ve been contacted by at least on AGer from ST about how to do PEDS, I’ve been asked by two to three other AG athletes on how to dope, I’ve had conversations with other coaches on how to dope. I’ve had conversations with AG athletes on what they are doing. I’ve had doctors ask me why they have athletes who only want certain T patches and how athletes can do things in training to cause low T levels. I don’t have my head in the sand to think that EPO is the only thing that is going to help performance.
Maybe I’m way off base on this, but I’ve suspected for a while that PED use may be not too rare among age group athletes, even those who are competing for nothing more than personal glory. The reason I think this is that triathletes as a group are pretty smart, have money, and at least a few seem to me to be insanely competitive. Smart, money and extremely competitive I think can be a recipe for trouble.
Another source of concern is the supplements of various sorts that some athletes take. A lot of this stuff isn’t regulated, and may contain more than what’s on the label.
I must admit, I’d be curious to see what turned up if an amateur half-IM was tested.
I think it’s a complete misconception to think that people dope primarly for money. People dope for ego reasons first. There is no reason to believe that AGers don’t dope because there are no money.