From Lance Armstrong’s major doping scandal to Frank Vandenbroucke and Marco Pantani’s drug use (and early deaths), cycling’s history is riddled with “unclean” controversy. Is it therefore possible that we are seeing the rise of the blameless “Tour De France”?
Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper) It is commonly argued that the 90’s was the “naughtiness” peak in cycling’s history. It was in the latter part of the decade that Armstrong famously started doping. It was during this time that doping accusations were made against Pantani, apparently sending him into depression, addiction, and an overdose. It was then that Vandenbroucke started his series of depressive episodes, involving divorce, drugs, and suicide attempts. This is a pattern he never recovered from and which likely led to his mysterious death at the age of 34.
But the issue goes back much further.
Eddy Merckx is one of the most dominant cyclists of all time. The Belgian raced professionally from 1965-1978 (well before the doping peak). Despite his reputation amongst fans as a shy, “natural” rider, he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs on several occasions.
Even going as far back as the 1890s, there are reports of a Welsh rider using a drug cocktail (containing cocaine) during a Bordeaux-Paris race. He died just a few weeks later, likely as a result of this doping.
The pattern of misbehavior is undeniable. It raises questions as to whether the high-intensity nature of the sport makes it inherently “unclean”. Most professional cyclists compete in several large “tours” per year. Nearly all cyclists train every day, have a specific diet, and have restrictions on what they can do in their free time.
And if you fall off this intensely regulated routine, it is likely it will show in your performances. This seems intuitive when considering the physical challenges faced by the pros. For example, the “Tour De France” sees cyclists travel over 2,000 miles in around 23 days!
In other words, cycling is one of the most physically demanding, high-pressure endurance sports. Enduring pain is part and parcel of the discipline. As a result of its rich history and culture, it is also a sport where winning comes with great pride and accolades. Armstrong described this lethal combination. Immense physical pain mixed with a thirst for glory was a clear motivator for his doping. When Pantani was accused of “using”, and his many achievements were questioned, he turned to drugs as a result of shame and stress. His sacrifices suddenly seemed pointless.
Despite this, the 2023 “Tour De France” has fostered a wholesome image. There have been no doping scandals so far. Tour favorite Tadej Pogacar celebrated his teammate Adam Yates’ stage win as if it were his own and seems to be all smiles (despite the pressure he is under). There is now unparalleled access to the dynamics of the peloton and teams, notably through Netflix’s recent “Tour De France: Unchained” series. This is a step in the right direction toward accountability.
Doping statistics support this change of face. For example, Felix Richter, a data journalist, reports a whopping 51% decrease in the share of cyclists violating anti-doping regulations from 1998 to 2022.
Commentators have pointed to the fact this decrease could be due to improvements in technology and scientific knowledge. Bicycles are lighter. There are new sports watches and “computers” which facilitate more efficient training and recovery. Scientific advancements have allowed better diets and training plans. Teams have become organizations, with various strategists and dietitians. Maybe cyclists don’t need performance-enhancing drugs anymore. They’re getting faster anyways because of these changes.
But just as technology can be deployed in a positive manner, it can be used to negative ends. Perhaps new performance enhancers have been created that are not as easy to identify. Perhaps increased media coverage has forced the peloton to put on a “play”. With a sport as historically and physically complex as cycling, it is best not to take things fully at face value.
The sport seems to have a more positive vibe this year. However, it could be rather naive to think the days of “uncleanliness” are fully behind us.
