Is doping really rife in amateur cycling? Tell us here
Does BBC Sport survey give unfair impression of doping among amateur cyclists? — Take the Cycling Weekly survey
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

As we reported on Monday, in a recent ComRes poll of amateur athletes for the BBC, 14 per cent of the cyclists questioned stated that they had taken steroids, and nearly half knew someone who had taken performance-enhancing drugs.
However, the sample size was small — only around 120 of the 1,025 surveyed were regular cyclists, and we cannot know how many of those were actively involved in racing.
The headline findings of the poll were that a third (35 per cent) of amateur sports people say they personally know someone who has doped, and eight per cent said they had taken steroids. Naturally, these figures will worry many clean amateurs.
>>> 14 per cent of amateur cyclists admit to taking steroids in survey
However, the poll may give an unrepresentative impression of some sports, given that nearly half of those questioned said they participated in gym/weightlifting — almost certainly the most likely environment in which to come into contact with steroids.
The poll is significant but far from conclusive. To help gain a clearer picture of the prevalence of doping among amateur cyclists, we have devised our own survey.
Responses are anonymous unless you choose to provide your name and contact details
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
-
Pfeiffer Georgi wins Brugge-De Panne solo after aggressive race splits in crosswinds
Brit claims her first WorldTour win by out-foxing some of the fastest riders in the world
By Vern Pitt • Published
-
Kaden Groves sprints to victory on stage four of the Volta a Catalunya
Australian takes first win for new Alpecin-Deceuninck team ahead of Bryan Coquard
By Adam Becket • Published
-
"Failing that drug test was the best thing that had ever happened to me"
Abuse victim and disgraced cycling champion Geneviève Jeanson finds solace in return to bike racing
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
29 cases of alleged doping recorded in cycling in 2022, but only one at WorldTour
Most came from semi-professional ranks, MPCC finds
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Spanish police crack down on doping ring, former Kelme coach questioned
Miguel Ángel López denies any involvement in statement
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
UCI suspends continental team's licence due to doping investigation
W52-FC Porto cannot compete in any races after an investigation conducted by the Anti-Doping Authority of Portugal
By Ryan Dabbs • Last updated
-
Trial begins into French doctor and two others accused of attempting to dope cyclists
Bernand Sainz has been involved in cycling circles for the best part of six decades
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Johan Bruyneel: 'Lance Armstrong was the perfect target to be sacrificed' to clean up cycling
The former rider and team boss says in his era the choice was 'either you adapt and you dope yourself, or you disappear'
By Jonny Long • Published
-
British Paralympic hopeful cyclist banned for three years for doping offence
Erin McBride, who joined the British Cycling team after switching from athletics this year, tested positive for a banned substance
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
Two Italian cyclists banned following doping violations
One was an amateur time trial champion
By Jonny Long • Published