Absa Cape Epic to impose lifetime ban for doping and increase in competition testing

[DawieO]

"Boldenone undecyclenate is a very popular steroid. This steroid is only available legally at a veterinarian clinic." Guess that blows out the "medical reasons", unless there are even bigger issues...

[sluiper]

not if they also earn prize money - some are sponsored heavily too

 

Then they're not really amateurs, are they?

[slabs]

The problem is that we as amateurs don't really pay too much attention to what we're putting in our bodies. And why should we? It's not like our careers depend on it.

 

As an example: I got sick a week or so before Die Burger. I stayed in bed for a few days and doped myself up on Sinutab, Coryx and whatever else I could find. By the Wednesday before the race I was feeling a bit better, did one practice ride and then Die Burger. I wasn't in great condition and let go some awesome snotters, but still managed to hold on to my group.

 

If I had been tested, I'm guessing I would have tested positive for something illegal. Under the Epic's rules, had I been caught, I would have been banned for life.

 

In my opinion, it's kind of absurd to hold amateur athletes to the same standards as professionals.

 

There is no way that they will test all amateurs, but there are many that compete in the top 50 and these are the ones that will and should be targeted. Then again, they must be idiots to do it. Just for bragging rights or the odd sponsor to an event, as they are not making money from it. If that is the case good riddance to those caught. Maybe for them a similar award as the Darwin award!

[Bianchi]

not if they also earn prize money - some are sponsored heavily too

 

I know of a lot of riders that do stuff like the Epic, etc, and get sponsored (where sponsors shell out up to R500k a year), but while riding for enjoyment and not necessarily for prize money (although this would be a bonus).

At the same time, when you register with CSA, you agree to be held to that standard.

[Trubie]

Then they're not really amateurs, are they?

 

nope they not - but they dont earn their living from cycling. They just supplement their income from it yes

but they race in vets cat's which is perceived to be amateur categories

[DawieO]

Vet (erinarian) category?

[Agteros]

Vet (erinarian) category?

Some should race in that category - based on where some of the 'medicines' allegedly come from and not in Veteran Men (40+)

Edited December 18, 2012 by robox

['Dale]

I'm sure a lot of amateurs take the PEDs just to help them finish.

 

This action will send some chills up the spines of those that brag about their Epic race board which was earned on drugz.

[gummibear]

I'm sure a lot of amateurs take the PEDs just to help them finish.

 

This action will send some chills up the spines of those that brag about their Epic race board which was earned on drugz.

 

PEDs won't help you finish a race if you not fit.Peds will give you a little advantage at elite fitness level.

[JA-Q001]

Also, it is not so much the performance enhancing side effect that they are concerned about when testing. If you take all those medicines before the race, just to compete, you can damage heart muscles, your liver, your kidneys, if you are sick and know you are taking stuff just to feel better enough to compete, it could cost you your life and testing and banning is a deterent for this behaviour aswell.

Edited December 18, 2012 by JA-Q001

[Evan Andreou]

Will this ban apply to the likes of Roberto Heras and any number of ex pro peloton dopers who gravitate toward the Epic?

[ChunkyMonkey]

Geeeezzz Guys,

 

I just read the article....did he dope and only placed 10th in Masters Cat...??

And he is a coach..?? Who is supposed to know how to train properly....??

 

ACTUALLY HE JUST REALLY SUCKS..!!!

 

WHAT AN ABSOLUTE F@G'n .. LOOSER!!

 

HE 'S ABOUT TO GET TORN APART ON THE HUB FROM CROTCH TO CROWN .....

 

HE HAS PROBABLY ALREADY LEFT THE COUNTRY...

 

YEHAAAAAA!! GET SOME !!

[Wyatt Earp]

What a knop-kop, but he is not the only amateur who dopes.

[Kranswurm]

Will this ban apply to the likes of Roberto Heras and any number of ex pro peloton dopers who gravitate toward the Epic?

We shall see.Doubt it.

CWC's little stand of defiance and call for all teams to openly join them fizzled out pretty quickly

[Chris Willemse]

Well done Kevin Vermaak. I hope that more race organisers will follow your decition to NOT ALLOW any dopers in your tour.

[bradwentzel]

According to the Cape Epic website he is still listed as finishing 73rd overall and tenth in Masters.

Wonder when that will change.

 

Also this chap has completed 6 Epics, wonder how many were clean...