German documentary claims cycling still dominated by doping with Aicar, the 'new EPO'

In the documentary Geheimsache Doping: Im Windschatten (Secret Case Doping: In the Slipstream), the doping debate is reignited by several whistleblowers, all involved in the cycling world. They tell their stories, with all the risks that entails. “Many people are afraid to talk,” says a former professional cyclist who competed at the highest level. “I know someone who wanted to testify, but he received death threats when the masterminds behind doping found out he wanted to talk.”

The last time someone was caught using banned substances in the Tour de France was during the 2015 edition. Luca Paolini (Katusha) had to go home after testing positive for cocaine; in 2012, Fränck Schleck was caught using a diuretic. But the witness laughs at suggesting that the sport is much cleaner now. “If you believe nothing illegal has been taken during the Tour de France since 2015, that's a joke. I was there myself and noticed that doping was still going on.”

So, what substances are allegedly being used in the peloton? EPO remains a popular substance, according to reports. By microdosing it, i.e. taking undetectable amounts, riders can stay under the radar during doping controls. But the big culprit is Aicar. According to the Doping Authority, this substance improves blood circulation and changes muscle fibers, which is hugely beneficial during endurance sports. “People who are active in professional cycling say that Aicar was and is the drug of choice in the peloton,” says a whistleblower.

The drug was originally developed as a treatment for cancer, but also for cardiovascular disease. Ron Evans, professor and biologist, is considered the creator of AICAR. From the beginning, it was clear that the substance would be used in medicine and elite sports. “It opened a door that has never been closed,” Evans admits.

The period during which Aicar can be traced is very short. The anti-doping authorities, therefore, do not really have an answer. But there are many similar substances available. “If I were an athlete, would I take Aicar, knowing that it is on the list of banned substances? Or would I take a related product that is not on the list?” asks Oliver Catlin, an American doping expert. He found no 166 other substances with similar effects, only four of which were on the list of banned substances.

Other experts believe that the sport has indeed become cleaner. They argue that the dramatic performance improvements can be explained by factors other than doping. "The major developments are much more important than the advantages of illegal substances in the past,’ says Filippo Galli, product developer at Colnago. ‘We are talking about countless innovations: materials, aerodynamics, weight, bike control, grip, comfort."

Others remain highly critical, including Pierre Sallet. The Frenchman was an exercise physiologist for Tour organizer ASO and has been highly critical of Chris Froome's performance in the past. “We know the limits of human performance,” he says. “We know what a person can and cannot achieve. There are certainly gray areas, but it becomes black and white at some point, and then it's doping, 100%.”

During the Lance Armstrong era, Sallet coined the term ‘aliens’ on bikes, which is used today for Tadej Pogacar in particular. The Frenchman is also skeptical about the current generation of super athletes. “I can't explain what I see on the road. A normal man is between 1.60 meters and 2.20 meters tall. But the performances we see are sometimes as if someone is 3 meters tall.”

Roger Legeay is president of the MPCC, the organization for credible cycling. He argues that anti-doping rules are lagging, so no one is being caught. "That is precisely why it is the job of the managers, the doctors, the team leaders, and the riders. They have to do it. Everyone in cycling: they are the ones who are responsible for ensuring an ethical and clean sport that arouses less suspicion." However, the documentary also reports that there are still a huge number of suspicious individuals in the professional peloton: 14 of the 18 WorldTour teams employ someone who has been found guilty of foul play in the past.