'Come and test me': Victor Campenaerts asks for lockdown doping test as cheating fears rise
The Belgian rider asked for authorities to test him so he could be vocal about the fact checks are still going on in order to dissuade cheats
Hour Record holder Victor Campenaerts has requested for doping authorities to test him during lockdown in order to show his fellow pros that anti-doping are still working to catch any riders using prohibited substances.
"I asked if it was possible to come and test me," Campenaerts told Het Nieuwsblad. "I would then be vocal about that test to show there are still checks during the lockdown."
The Belgian newspaper also reports that around 15 Belgian riders have said they haven't been tested at all while the world has been in quarantine this past month, which has caused concern. One rider is reported to have said: "Hopefully they will visit the cowboys".
The Belgian anti-doping authorities told the NTT Pro Cycling rider they could not accommodate his request. "I was told that an order check is not possible," said Campenaerts.
Peter Van Eenoo, a researcher at the University of Ghent's anti-doping lab, says he is sympathetic to Campenaerts request but told Campenaerts he could also not analyse private samples at his laboratory.
Doping authorities have been unable to carry out their normal testing, with people quarantined in their homes and travel bans imposed across a number of nations, sparking concerns that clean sport could take a hit during the coronavirus pandemic.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Winner of the 2017 Giro d’Italia Dumoulin told Belgian broadcaster Sporza: "The whereabouts forms are easy to fill in now. We still have to do that, but the location is always the same.
"In recent years I have had few tests anyway, but I haven’t been tested at all in recent months. I understand that there are now generally fewer checks. If the Tour de France gets closer, it will have to be resolved and checks will have to be made again."
The Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation, an independent body established to run the anti-doping programme for the UCI, said it has modified its testing process, with an emphasis on testing riders in the UCI Registered Testing Pool and with tighter measures to protect the health of athletes.
But Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) has still raised concerns about the testing process, as he hasn’t been tested since October.
The Frenchman told L’Equipe: "That’s a long time ago and I hope that it will start up again because it’s not good news for riders who are trying to do things well. I hope that there will soon be controls again so that we can start up properly."
Thank you for reading 20 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
Hi. I'm Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor. I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.
Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).
I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.
-
Pro cyclo-cross rider disqualified and fined after stomping on opponent's bike
Eli Iserbyt apologised for 'rage of anger' at event in Beringen
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I don’t think the people around Tom help' - Geraint Thomas on the Tom Pidcock and Ineos Grenadiers situation
Pidcock was "deselected" from Il Lombardia on Saturday, with the rider taking to Instagram to discuss decision
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Irish Continental level professional cyclist suspended after EPO positive
Jesse Ewart, who rode for Terengganu Cycling, has been banned until 2027
By Adam Becket Published
-
Convicted EPO doper Jarlinson Pantano returns to cycling with Colombian EPM team
Former Trek-Segafredo and IAM Cycling rider rejoins peloton after his four-year band expires
By Adam Becket Published
-
American cyclist Jackson ’Huntley’ Nash handed lifetime ban after doping violations
USADA hand down penalty after multiple offences discovered by investigation
By Adam Becket Published
-
Guillaume Martin: The big question is this grey area of ketones
The Frenchman says he is in favour of banning ketones for reasons of fairness
By Jonny Long Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe doesn't share Arnaud Démare's concerns over performance products used in the peloton
The Frenchman also says he 'won't be shouting from the rooftops' when he eventually decides to compete for the Tour de France yellow jersey
By Jonny Long Published
-
US amateur rider handed four-year doping ban after winning cat three race
The 49-year-old was tested after his win in the Arizona State Championships this summer
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
David Lappartient: Riders are sharing rumours of new doping techniques, they feel there is a gap
"Man is limitless in the imagination to cheat," the UCI President said
By Jonny Long Published
-
UK Anti-Doping's case against Richard Freeman paused after doping doctor appeals tribunal verdict
UKAD will resume proceedings against Richard Freeman after his High Court appeal
By Jonny Long Published