Cyclists are prone to doping: VN Singh

11 October, 2012

The USADA has claimed that Lance Armstrong has been involved in the most sophisticated doping scandals in the history of cycling. It has also put the game to bad repute, it said.

ONE OF the living legends in the field of cyling, Lance Armstrong has been in the headlines for different reasons. If it was not for winning, it was for his cancer treatment and now it's been his doping controversy, which has been doing the rounds. But, the US Anti-Doping Agency has stated that the evidences collected against the cyclist shows that he was part of the most sophisticated, and a professional doping program.

V.N Singh, assistant secretary of the Cycle Federation of India said, “Such kind of controversies give a bad name to the sport. This Armstrong controversy has left a bad impression.”

The cyclist has been lauded as one of the best to have put his feet on the paddle. He won major cycling tournaments around the world. He has been known for his seven Tour De France titles that he won in his career, which is an amazing feat. But, Mr Singh felt there is something wrong in his seven prestigious titles. He added, “It is not possible to perform so consistently at the Tour De France. He must have been involved in doping.”

He even supported the stance taken by the doping agency as he also feels something must have been wrong (used drugs), hence the cyclist has been penalised for his actions. Initially the cyclists had been challenging the doping agency for their claims, but gave up his fight to give time to his foundation. It could have been wise if he had not given up at that juncture, which was very crucial. When the cyclists gave up, there were some who questioned about his involvement.

There were some fingers pointing towards the USADA claiming that they were after Armstrong, but their latest reports would draw a better picture of the entire case. Their analysis of their previous data has reflected that Lance had been doping for more than 10 years and even doped after he made a comeback post his cancer treatment. Even those cyclists who have raced and trained along with him have confessed to Lance's involvement in doping.

“Cycling is pretty much prone to doping. The world governing body is trying to take best measures and put a check on it,” Mr Singh said. But, one also has to give credit to get into the root of the matter and come up with such reports, though it does mean that the reputation of the sport might see a dip.

Armstrong has his fan following all over the world. One such English fan Andrew Berry does not feel that he has been let down by the turn of events. He is more worried about Lance Armstrong's cancer foundations and said, “It is a shame the way it's come out as his cancer foundation makes huge money for cancer research and it might have an affect on it.” Andrew is just one out of the many fans who will still respect Lance for the person he is and his achievement.