I’m kinda shocked that warnings of cardiac issues would be ignored, and this drug would be given to some very naturally talented riders
No point doping the guys who aren't going to win anyway, a tiny advantage is only helpful if you're already exceptional in amongst the company you keep.
I’ve gone off watching cycling a bit these days as I think that there is something rotten about some of the performances
To be honest, I still love watching it & I think there are fewer “outlier” performances than years gone by, which I think is the root of my surprise; given the scrutiny the sport has attracted since the Armstrong years, why do teams bother? Or is it simply necessary to compete?
QT prolongation is a side effect of lots of drugs, most commonly anti psychotics that loads of people take. It’s not to be sniffed at but equally it’ll happen to fraction of a percent of users, and is reversible when the drug is withdrawn. So it wouldn’t be a reason to force a retirement.
That’s not to say there couldn’t be other causes of doping-related cardiac damage forcing retirement, but you are putting two and two together and getting about 25.
No point doping the guys who aren’t going to win anyway, a tiny advantage is only helpful if you’re already exceptional in amongst the company you keep.
If you’re a lower level Pro and doping helps you keep a semblance of performance to support the team then it would be very tempting, just to level the playing field with those who might take your place.
and is reversible when the drug is withdrawn. So it wouldn’t be a reason to force a retirement.
That’s not to say there couldn’t be other causes of doping-related cardiac damage forcing retirement, but you are putting two and two together and getting about 25.
Fair enough, I wasn’t thinking of this drug in isolation, more considering the combination of some fairly outlier performances coupled with 2 retirees from the same team for cardiac issues plus the reported “positive” test result (not a banned drug as far as I know, hence the inverted commas). In fact, it’s not inconceivable that the use of this drug is purely innocent following injury etc. maybe it’s a different drug, or maybe it’s coincidence. Who know?
