Okay, this is probably a VERY silly question, but here it goes:

I just started racing this year, and also just received my 1st USCF license in the mail from Colorado Springs. Now, on the back of the sheet to which said license was attached, is a disclaimer stating that taking muli vitamins/herbal remedies, etc. can cause false positives for certain banned substances, and that by taking the vitamins/supplements you risk failing a dope test and consequently, could be booted from USCF. I am ASSUMING (dumb thing to do sometimes, I know!) this disclaimer is for the National/Development people riding in serious races for real incentives.

Now, here's my question. Do they dope test amateur racers riding for recreation and enjoyment? It's not like I have anything to worry about (unless Vodka and/or Lindemann's are controlled substances!), but I'd at least like to know that when I get a cold this Spring, I can take my favorite OTC remedy without having to make the front cover of the Velonews.

I wasn't able to find anyone else on these boards posting anything on this topic, so I think it's a toally moot consideration, but just was curious, as neither the USCF nor USAC rulebooks really delve too deeply into dope control measures.

Thanks!

Okay, this is probably a VERY silly question, but here it goes:

I just started racing this year, and also just received my 1st USCF license in the mail from Colorado Springs. Now, on the back of the sheet to which said license was attached, is a disclaimer stating that taking muli vitamins/herbal remedies, etc. can cause false positives for certain banned substances, and that by taking the vitamins/supplements you risk failing a dope test and consequently, could be booted from USCF. I am ASSUMING (dumb thing to do sometimes, I know!) this disclaimer is for the National/Development people riding in serious races for real incentives.

Now, here's my question. Do they dope test amateur racers riding for recreation and enjoyment? It's not like I have anything to worry about (unless Vodka and/or Lindemann's are controlled substances!), but I'd at least like to know that when I get a cold this Spring, I can take my favorite OTC remedy without having to make the front cover of the Velonews.

I wasn't able to find anyone else on these boards posting anything on this topic, so I think it's a toally moot consideration, but just was curious, as neither the USCF nor USAC rulebooks really delve too deeply into dope control measures.

Thanks!

Technically, the USCF or actually more appropriately USADA can show up at your door and ask for some urine because you are a registered and licensed athlete within their organization. Will this happen? No, most definitely not, not unless you're an elite athlete, and are on the random test (out of competition) list.

That being said, it is possible, although highly unlikely, that you could get tested at a race. Like I said, highly unlikely. I've been racing the road for 4 years and have competed in over 300 races, and I have never, repeat, never seen doping control at any one of the races I've ever done. You being a cat. 5, you can seriously discount ever getting tested at least until you move up into the Pro 1-2 level, and then, you'll probably still not get tested. As I've said, been to quite a few races, raced in some high level NRC events around the country, never seen a dope control at any of them. I think you're safe. You could probably shoot up with EPO or whatever doping product that you'd want, and you'd still be safe. But don't do that, that's cheating.

On this same point, has anyone here actually obtained a USADA out of competition waiver for appropriate use of a drug for a chronic condition? I'm on a low dose of corticosteroids (2mg medrol) for a chronic medical condition. I've not obtained the USADA waiver, because it seems like such overkill for a cat 4 hack, but I'm interested to hear others experiences with getting one.

'Spose if I ever do nationals I'll do it.

Well, it's kind of like worrying that you'll end up being the President because everyone else in line for the job (you know, like 200,000 other people) kicks the bucket. It will never happen.

Even the Pro 1-2 guys I know don't get tested, of course they aren't on some big overly-funded teams getting paid an outrageous salary for looking good in lycra. Obviously not a reason to knowingly dope, b/c cheaters suck, but you don't have to worry about your cough medicine.

UCI events are a little different -- it's a lot more likely you'll be tested, especially if you're racing elite at the national level.

let alone spend time and money drug testing a CAT 5 out in Podunk Nowhere.

They put that on the license as a legal statement that it is within their right to ask for a drug test and to give fair warning that there are legal substances out there that can cause a positive test result.

Will they ever test a low level amateur. Absolutely not! The simply don't have the resources, need or desire to do so.

Now if you were a CAT 1 or Pro winning all the big regional or national races, then there is a chance you would be tested. The you would need to talk to your coach, team manager and/or sports doctor as to which cold medicines to avoid.

let alone spend time and money drug testing a CAT 5 out in Podunk Nowhere.


Bimini hit it on the head. The USCF doesn't have the cash to test anyone that they don't need to. You'd have to be doing a national caliber race or a regional race that gets spotlight attention in the region.

You don't have to worry about the USCF for a long time.

12345

I have been using EPO for years to keep me a little more competative in the Cat4's.
No problem yet.

umm....USCF doesnt monitor this board, does it??


:)

The USCF doesn't have the cash to test anyone that they don't need to. You'd have to be doing a national caliber race or a regional race that gets spotlight attention in the region.

Supposedly the USADA ran a grand total of 40 - 50 drug tests on cyclists in last year. Approximate cost is $600 per test. This is why the U.S. domestic scene is lousy with doping and a lot of U.S. pros are up in arms about it. Even with the pathetic number of tests they still managed to nail a few people.

So you are free to do what some lamers do have more cash than brains and a smaller penis than normal: Make a run down to Mexico and pick up the good stuff so you can show people in your group ride that you are the man.

At my race last weekend, it was 26 degrees at the start and I was sick as a dog. I had a huge cup of coffee and a Dayquil. I came in second and probably would have lit up the drug test like a pinball machine.

we are talking about EPO and HGH here. We are talking about Nyquil and Actifed.

Take a toke off your joint and relax. I really don't thing the racing board is ripe with EPO drug addicts quite yet.

Supposedly the USADA ran a grand total of 40 - 50 drug tests on cyclists in last year. Approximate cost is $600 per test. This is why the U.S. domestic scene is lousy with doping and a lot of U.S. pros are up in arms about it. Even with the pathetic number of tests they still managed to nail a few people.

So you are free to do what some lamers do have more cash than brains and a smaller penis than normal: Make a run down to Mexico and pick up the good stuff so you can show people in your group ride that you are the man.

Take a toke off your joint and relax.

Can't do that. I might get caught and have my mountain biking and snow boarding victories stripped.

At my race last weekend, it was 26 degrees at the start and I was sick as a dog. I had a huge cup of coffee and a Dayquil. I came in second and probably would have lit up the drug test like a pinball machine.

Since caffeine and pseudoephedrine have been taken off of the banned list.

Since caffeine and pseudoephedrine have been taken off of the banned list.

Except you can still test positive for banned sudafed metabolites:

http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/7091.0.html