Doping controllers unexpectedly showed up at an amateur race in Spain. Only 52 of 182 starters crossed the finish line.
Unannounced doping controls have apparently led to numerous tasks at an amateur cycling race in Spain. According to a report by the “Ciclo21” portal, only 52 of 182 riders reached the finish in Villena. In previous years it was usually half of the drivers. Participants linked the mass eliminations to the random checks.
“Anti-doping controls in Villena lead to breakdowns and abandonments. This is not a mathematical formula, but reality. I hope the measures work because this is a damn joke,” said eighth-placed Alvaro Marza. According to his own information, he tested negative.
The organizer published a statement in which he explained the doping controls by saying that they were subject to the rules of the world association UCI. “We want to send a clear message to all cyclists and fans: doping has no place in our sport. We support cyclists who are fair and honest,” the statement said.