Q&A

What are Sir Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky accused of?

MPS have accused the cyclist and his team of using a powerful steroid called triamcinolone to help him in several races, including his historic Tour de France win. They said Wiggins had used the drug – which was allowed under an exemption to treat asthma – to instead improve his performance. The committee concluded that a suspect medical package carried across Europe in a jiffy bag was also triamcinolone – despite Team Sky claiming it was nothing more than a decongestant.

What is triamcinolone?

It is an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat asthma, pollen allergies, eczema and arthritis, which can be administered orally, by injection, by inhalation, or as a cream.

What is the fuss about Wiggins taking the drug?

It has a history of abuse in cycling because it allows cyclists to lose weight, delay fatigue, and help their recovery. Though its use does not violate the World Anti-Doping Agency code, critics have questioned whether its use by Team Sky, which boasts a zero-drug policy, is ethical.

When did questions emerge about Wiggins and Team Sky?

In 2016, Russian hackers revealed Wiggins had received intramuscular injections of triamcinolone before three grand tours, including the Tour de France in 2012. This was followed by a Daily Mail report revealing Wiggins received a suspect medical package in a jiffy bag at a race in France in June 2011.

Was Wiggins investigated by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD)?

Yes. An investigation into whether the jiffy bag did indeed contain triamcinolone began in September 2016. A year later the watchdog ruled there was not sufficient evidence and no charges were made.