Where is the Most Aero Bottle Placement?

Reader: Sadly, I think most age groupers who compete regularly and look at results know at least one person whose performances suddenly leap a level. If there were more testing, then we could celebrate this rather than have suspicions

Reader: I have been doing triathlon for over 25 years, and during that time I have only known of one age group athlete being tested out of competition (twice) and failed both times.

He had multiple age-group world titles at Kona, which I don’t think were ever vacated, despite him admitting he took testosterone prescribed by a doctor. The first time he received a 1-year ban retroactive to when he was tested (only served a few months actually), and a 5-year ban the second time when he said he would just quit the sport. I had suspected him of doping long before he was caught, after I imagine someone had turned him in.

So, of course, I would like to see more age group testing, and I think we should be able to find out if someone is on a therapeutic use exemption for an otherwise banned drug. WADA wouldn’t even give me the number of triathletes on a TUE. So, the bottom line is that when I see performances that seem too good to be true, the first thing I think is that they are doping with or without a TUE.

Reader: If you get paid to compete - test them.

Reader: I find the excuses as to how they were transferred “accidentally” to them from other sources…partner/physio massage cream, etc. It’s all b@llocks, just been caught and find any way to make sure they can’t prove it 100%. With doping, it should be guilty until you can show proof 100% it was an accident instead of the other way round.

Reader: At any level, there are athletes (using the term loosely) who will do anything to win. I will also comment that the dismissal for doping for the female athlete is ludicrous, just shows what athletes with backing from wealthy supporters and ingenious lawyers can come up with. These divisions ruin the sport for true athletes, as there is now a loophole for any females caught for similar doping offences, or males who want to say they were 'involved' with another male the evening before a race or testing.

Reader: Too infrequent, and many top athletes are never tested.

Reader: The top pros who are in the drug testing protocols are already tested a lot. (I know one athlete who they tried to test 2 hours BEFORE the mixed team relay in Paris). Maybe for the Top AG athletes, but most AG athletes are just doing it because they love it or love the lifestyle. Maybe testing more AG athletes would prevent them from taking dangerous drugs - but of course, that is always a personal choice

Reader: AG doping is more prevalent than you think- intentional and “well, my doctor says I need this.” Doctors aren’t responsible for knowing what substances are banned; athletes are!

Reader: It appears to be under control in the Pros due to strict testing protocols. In the AG ranks, who knows, because no one is being tested. Also, catching too many cheaters creates a bad eye for the sport, which will drive away sponsors.

Reader: It's so obvious that Triathlon needs more testing for all athletes. For AG, because according to several anonymous polls through the years, the range of AG athletes’ doping is 20-30%. Among the pros, I believe there is much less doping. Only a few bad apples. But the present anti-doping system is not stringent enough to catch them (with their micro-dosing). It's quite easy, apparently, for a potential cheater with an up-to-date protocol to avoid being positive.

Reader: I think doping is pretty well controlled in the pro field, but rampant in the untested AG field.

Reader: Unfortunately, yes, I do think AG doping is a much larger issue than in the pro ranks. AG athletes have little to no chances of getting caught, so it is easier to convince yourself that everyone is doing it, and the only way to combat that is to dope yourself. I anticipate that it is more of a problem with the males, if you have ever raced in the AG ranks and seen the rage out on the course, you would know why I think that way, though I am certain women dope as well. As a start, Ironman should test everyone who qualifies for a WC slot for both WC races. I have qualified 4 times, taken 4th in my AG in a 70.3 race, and never once been tested. If testing for all WC qualifiers became the norm, there would be a huge incentive to race clean. The fear of getting caught and humiliated by that is really what is needed in the AG ranks.

Reader: Based on the times and rapid improvements some AG athletes have made, I have no doubt that drugs were taken!

Reader: That we’d be naive to think there isn’t doping happening in AG. Some of the times I have seen in the 60+ age group are verging on elite/pro level, so I feel that questions should be asked. I have no qualms with being tested; however, the logistics of widespread testing must be difficult and costly.

Reader: Especially peri-and postmenopausal women taking “hormone replacement” therapy with testosterone

Reader: Likely not yet so widespread but with the money coming in, it will change!