Tour de France 2011: October 2003 Archives

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October 27, 2003

Outside Online | Drug Test

I subscribe to Outside Magazine primarily for their fitness coverage. Almost every month, they offer workout programs based on new theories and studies.

This month, a freelance writer named Stuart Stevens experiments with performance-enhancing prescription drugs in Drug Test. The author was preparing for Paris-Brest-Paris, and found a doctor who specializes in slowing or reversing the effects of aging.

The doctor put him on prescription dosages of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), erythropoietin (EPO), Deca (a steroid), and testosterone. Over eight months, Stevens injected $7500 in pharmaceuticals while gaining 12 pounds of muscle and losing 6 pounds of fat. And, strangely enough, his eyesight improved.

Hear the writer interviewed on NPR's All Things Considered.

Don't be surprised if the THG scandal winds up involving high-level cyclists. Apparently, the UCI is on the outs with WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Posted by Frank Steele on October 27, 2003 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 23, 2003

BBC SPORT | Organisers spice up Tour

There will be a mountain time trial on L'Alpe d'Huez, and it and the long individual time trial are both late in the race. Tour Director Jean-Marie Leblanc says the organization wants next year's race to match this year's in excitement, and to the extent that the route can influence the results, this route looks to encourage a close finish.