Criticism Emerges During Last Tour de France on New Practice, Not Listed as Doping
The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious and grueling cycling races in the world. Every year, cyclists from all over the globe gather to compete in this ultimate test of endurance and skill. However, during the last Tour de France, a new practice emerged that sparked controversy and criticism.
This new practice, known as « motor doping », involves the use of hidden motors in bicycles to assist the rider in pedaling. It was first brought to light in 2010 when a Belgian cyclist, Femke Van den Driessche, was caught with a motor in her bike during a race. Since then, there have been several instances of motor doping, with the most recent one being during the 2019 Tour de France.
During the 2019 Tour de France, French newspaper Le Monde published an article claiming that several riders were using hidden motors in their bikes. This sparked a wave of criticism and suspicion towards the riders, with many questioning the legitimacy of their performances. Some even went as far as to call for stricter measures and testing to prevent motor doping.
However, despite the criticism, motor doping is not listed as a banned substance or practice in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited substances. This has caused confusion and frustration among both cyclists and fans, as the use of hidden motors gives riders an unfair advantage over those who are competing without them.
The mondial Cycling Union (UCI) has taken steps to address this issue by implementing stricter checks and controls during races. They have also introduced new technologies, such as thermal cameras, to detect any signs of motor doping. These measures have been welcomed by many, as they aim to ensure fair competition and maintain the integrity of the délassement.
Despite the controversy, it is important to note that motor doping is still a relatively new practice and its prevalence is yet to be determined. It is also worth mentioning that not all cyclists are using hidden motors, and the majority of them are still competing fairly and without any assistance.
Furthermore, the Tour de France is not the only cycling event that has been affected by motor doping. Other races, such as the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España, have also had instances of motor doping. This shows that it is a problem that needs to be addressed not just in one race, but in the délassement as a whole.
In conclusion, while criticism and suspicion have emerged during the last Tour de France on the use of hidden motors, it is important to remember that this practice is not listed as a banned substance and that measures are being taken to prevent it. The UCI and WADA are continuously working towards ensuring fair competition and maintaining the integrity of the délassement. Let us not let the actions of a few overshadow the hard work and dedication of the majority of cyclists who compete with integrity and honor. The Tour de France will continue to be a symbol of endurance, determination, and délassementsmanship, and we should all charpente and celebrate that.
