Why we need to teach sporting values to all

The issue of drugs in cycling has been well documented and I’ve covered various aspects of “doping” in this very column.

I’ve now reached the point where I’ve come to terms with what has happened in the past and look forward to a sport that is actively trying to move forward and clean itself up.

However, one area of cycling seems to be dragging itself further into the mire.

Surprising as it may seem, I have been hearing rumours for a year or two of amateur cyclists taking doping products, including EPO, to participate in events such as sportives but I hadn’t seen any hard evidence.

However, the winner of this year’s Gran Fondo New York, Colombian Oscar Tovar, was stripped of his victory after testing positive for synthetic testosterone.

The third-placed rider in the women’s event also tested positive.

This wasn’t just an isolated incident either; a report by the Independent Commission for Reform in Cycling said drug taking in the amateur ranks was rampant.

It was also noted that many professional riders who rode Gran Fondos for fun no longer entered as “the field was so competitive with the number of amateur riders doping”.

Gran Fondos started in Italy in the 1900s and are essentially sportive events open to amateurs and professionals alike.

They are like marathons for runners, where the personal challenge, camaraderie and fun of doing a mass participation event are all part of why people enter.

There is obviously still a competitive element and some riders want to be first across the line.

To find such events are now being tainted by the spectre of doping is sad, let alone the fact these riders are damaging their health for a few moments of glory in a “fun-ride”.

The Gran Fondo New York was the first amateur event to instigate out-ofcompetition drug testing in 2012 and that year caught two riders using EPO.

Depressingly, I believe it is just the tip of the iceberg and not only in the sport of cycling.

Perhaps it’s a reflection of our society in general, where winning and being at the top is viewed as being successful – even in the most mundane situations.

However, last week, I was privileged to be helping at our local youth cycling club end-of season night-time race.

We had more than 40 young people taking part and it was fantastic to see so many determined faces giving it everything. It was a fun event but those racing wanted to win – you could see that by the effort they put in. At the end of the race everyone was best friends again, cheering on other riders and climbing trees.

The whole experience was a great learning curve for everyone, not just in the fitness and skills required to compete but also in sportsmanship.

It’s an oft-forgotten skill and perhaps one that all coaches and clubs need to start instilling in athletes from a very early age.

Tay Titans taking part in an annual night race, which Scott helped out with and was left cheered up by the sportsmanship shown.