Bad publicity for cycling.
On March 2, during the sixth stage of the Vinalopó Interclub Tournament, an amateur race in Spain, 130 runners dropped out after learning that doping controls would take place at the finish.
Unveiled by the Ciclo 21 website, the information was then relayed by Marca.
Of the 182 participants, only 52 reached the finish.
The others cited falls and punctures to justify their abandonment.
But in the images of the race, it was difficult to note so many incidents.
The organization, in a press release issued Wednesday, said it was proud to promote “an event that champions clean and fair cycling.”
¡ IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION!
Notice of taking random anti-doping controls and the position of Torneo Interclubs Valle del Vinalopo.https://t.co/tNdQ83gXjB@dipuAlicante @fciclismocv pic.twitter.com/aKOAdoUsPt
— Interclubs Vinalopo (@icvinalopo) March 6, 2024
Former Ukrainian professional Oleg Chuzdha finally won this sixth stage.
Agents from Cedad, the Spanish commission to combat doping in sport, were actually present to carry out checks after the race.
Also read Éric Boyer on the fight against doping in cycling: “Everyone has given up”
Alvaro Marzá, second in the general classification after six out of eight stages, was outraged by the situation on his social networks.
“Doping control = punctures and retirements.
This is not a mathematical formula but the pure truth.
Now let's see if any action will be taken, because this really is a joke.
Of course I submitted to the control.
This is the third to which I submit.
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