Cycling is one of the sports which is not spared from steroid controversies. The nature of the sport which needs endurance, strength and determination are just some of the reasons why many professional cyclists turn to performance enhancers. Just like in baseball and football, cycling has also a problem in curtailing the use of drugs aimed to improve an athletes’ performance.

Late last month, Floyd Landis made a public confession of his long-term use of steroids. But his revelations rocked the sports of cycling. He alleged that his former teammates and the 7-time world champion Lance Armstrong were involved in systematic doping like taking EPO and blood transfusions. The most intriguing part is his claim that some UCI officials were involved in a cover-up of a failed EPO test of Armstrong in 2002.

Landis admitted that he underwent a comprehensive training program that includes the use of anabolic steroids. He used the blood boosting EPO, testosterone, human growth hormone, a female fertility drug and insulin. Landis also received illegal blood transfusions.

The world of cycling will continue to make headlines this year as the recently concluded 2010 Cross Country Cycling returned 5 positive tests for banned substances. The title could also be at stake since the champion rider was included in the list of cyclists who failed the WADA sanctioned testing for steroids.

Miguel Angel Perez of Guatemala won this year’s race but with the positive steroid test he will likely forfeit his title to Wilmen Bravo of Venezuela. And the worst sanction that he may receive is removing his name in the Book of Champions. Other disciplinary action that could be imposed by the sport is banning him from cycling competitions which could last up to 5 years.

The organizer of the event, Belize Cycling Association (BCA) have not issued any comment on the allege failed test of its cyclists. However, news agencies were able to get information that there were 5 cyclists, 2 of them were Belizean and the other 3 were foreign participants. The locals failed for the prohibited substance marijuana while the 3 foreign cyclists failed for steroids. It was not yet disclosed what type of steroid that Perez got caught. Based on anti-doping rules, he can still ask for re-testing of his B sample if he is not satisfied of the first test result.

Perez refuse to comment on the incident but reports showed that he was already informed of the result. Emil Moreno, President of Belize Cycling Association did not give any statement to the media since the cyclists can still appeal the failed steroid test. The World Anti Doping Agency has a comprehensive list of banned substances which can be used to enhance performance. Professional sports organizations like the UCI follows WADA rules in implementing their anti-doping programs.

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