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A shocking investigation once again casts a sinister light on cycling. According to what was reported by the investigative broadcast of the Cellule Investigation Of Radio Francethe transalpine public broadcaster, there would be an improper use of some medical products which would be used to “improve performance and distort competitions”.
The “bomb”
A French runner spoke of one “bomba“, or a mix of voltaren, paracetamol and caffeine, while one of his compatriots talks about a “Magic Box“, made available by his former team on the morning of the race, in which you can find caffeine, paracetoml, theophylline, a respiratory stimulant, and thiocolchicoside, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. All absolutely authorized products, but which would be used improperly, leaving freedom of use to individual runners. We also talk about ketones, which are increasingly used: they are not prohibited, but in the past many have raised doubts and doubts about their nature.
Tour de France, carbon monoxide for cyclists: benefits and suspicions. “Doping? No, but let’s set limits”
Cosimo Cito
July 16, 2024
Carbon monoxide
Among the procedures cited by the investigation is also the practice of inhaling carbon monoxide via rebreathers “to see how the body reacts to altitude.” A procedure that had been recognized by many athletes, including leading ones, precisely because it was not included among the illicit practices by the World Anti-Doping Agency. However, Wada is “carefully monitoring the potentially excessive use of this device”, while the UCI has stated that scientific data does not allow us to attribute to carbon monoxide effects on performance greater than those observed following altitude training ”. The machine, which serves to develop hypoxia, i.e. lack of oxygen in the blood, leading the body to stimulate the production of EPO and red blood cells, was designed to help dialysis patients.
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What measures do you believe should be implemented in professional sports to better educate athletes about the dangers of substance misuse and the importance of integrity in competition?
Guest 1: Dr. Marie Laure, a Sports Medicine Expert
1. As a sports medicine expert, what do you make of the allegations of improper use of medical products in cycling? Do you think this is an isolated incident or part of a broader problem in professional sports?
Dr. Marie Laure: I think it’s unfortunate that athletes are still using substances in inappropriate ways to enhance their performance. It not only puts them at risk of serious health consequences but also undermines the integrity of sports. This type of behavior is not unique to cycling and can be seen in various other professional sports as well. It’s essential to find a balance between promoting health and ensuring fair competition, which can be challenging.
2. The investigation revealed the use of “Magic Box” by one cyclist’s former team, containing caffeine, paracetomol, theophylline, and other substances. Can you explain the potential risks or side effects of consuming these substances without medical supervision?
Dr. Marie Laure: Consuming these substances individually has been associated with certain risks and side effects, such as digestive issues, irregular heart rhythms, and increased blood pressure. When combined, as in the case of the “Magic Box,” they could potentially lead to more significant health complications. Athletes must understand that consuming multiple substances without medical supervision can jeopardize their health and negatively impact their performance in the long run.
3. The study also mentions the use of carbon monoxide to simulate altitude training. Can you discuss the potential dangers of this practice and why it’s not included in the list of banned substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)?
Dr. Marie Laure: Inhaling pure carbon monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. While the machine used in this case was designed to develop hypoxia, or lack of oxygen in the blood, it has been associated with the production of EPO and red blood cells. This effect, coupled with the fact that it’s not listed as a banned substance by WADA, might lead some athletes to believe it’s safer to use. However, scientific data doesn’t
