'It's a wild west of doping activity' - How cycling's amateur scene has become the epicentre for doping

"(Image credit: Getty Images) Gran Fondos: you've possibly raced one, and almost certainly heard of them. Big events, essentially timed sportives, that take place most weekends across Europe, and increasingly more so across the rest of the world. The biggest ones bring thousands of riders together, and can generate significant revenues for organisers. It's little wonder that each year there are more of them, and that the UCI have jumped on the bandwagon - the sport's world governing body now has a successful Gran Fondo World Series of 25-35 qualifier events that culminate in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships."

"Just one problem: doping. And a lot of it. Second problem: almost all of it goes undetected."

"While professional cycling appears to have a grip on doping, with the number of positive tests among UCI-registered riders hovering around the 15-25 range for most of the past decade, doping cases at age-category amateur levels are becoming more and more prevalent."

Gran Fondos are large, often timed sportives held most weekends across Europe and increasingly worldwide. The largest events attract thousands of riders and generate significant revenue for organisers. The UCI now runs a Gran Fondo World Series consisting of roughly 25–35 qualifier events that culminate in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Doping is widespread within Gran Fondos, and most cases remain undetected. Professional cycling shows about 15–25 positive tests annually among UCI-registered riders, while doping cases among age-category amateur competitors are rising and becoming increasingly prevalent.

Read at Cyclingnews