The study was carried out on almost 700 former Swedish wrestlers, weightlifters, powerlifters and throwers who competed at the elite level between 1960 and 1979. Twenty percent of those in the study confessed to having used anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) during their athletic careers.

Claudia Fahlke, director at CERA said, “We found a clear link. AAS users were more likely to have been treated for depression, concentration problems and aggressive behaviour.”

“What we were able to show, though, is that psychiatric symptoms and use of steroids and other drugs tend to reinforce each other in a vicious cycle. This suggests that the anti-doping efforts remain very important, both in and outside of sports.” continued Fahlke.

Researchers also found that steroid users were more likely to have abused other illicit drugs and alcohol. Anabolic steroids are often linked to various health disorders such as heart problems and liver damage. These steroids are used to enhance performance in sports, racing and bodybuilding muscles with strength gains in the region of 5-20%.

As a result his team Ag2r La Mondiale will withdraw from the forthcoming Critérium du Dauphiné due to the rules set out by the MPCC for which Ag2r is aligned. MPCC rules require it’s members to impose self fixed one week suspensions should a team return a positive test more than once within a 12 month period.

The teams non inclusion in Critérium du Dauphiné will be a major blow to the team’s sponsors as their headquarters are based in the region.

Sylvain Georges tested positive for the stimulant heptaminol in the Giro d’Italia last week whilst Steve Houanard tested positive for EPO in 2012. Heptaminol is sometimes used in the treatment of low blood pressure and is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list.

The French Cycling Federation will now open disciplinary proceedings against 28 year old Georges.

Their guilty verdicts come as part of a long standing investigation into the Operation Puerto blood doping ring. Fuentes was handed a (suspended) 1 year prison term and Labarta just 4 months for their part in the scandal. There is outrage amongst the anti-doping community as neither will serve any time behind bars. Under Spanish law prison terms under two years are automatically suspended unless those concerned have been found guilty of other offences.

More than 200 bags of blood belonging to a large number of athletes were seized in raids during May 2006. The athletes concerned not only implicated cyclists but those from other sports.

Ivan Basso, Jan Ullrich and Alejandro Valverde were just some of the professional riders involved.

There is now outrage following the judge’s decision to allow the blood bags, which are still held, to be destroyed. The WADA have made a formal request that they are allowed access to the bags in order to continue the investigation into exactly who all of the blood bags belong too.

Discontent has also come from athletes across other sports. Speaking to BBC Sport, marathon runner Paula Radcliffe criticised the judge’s decision to allow the blood bags to be destroyed, “It is very frustrating when globally the momentum is moving towards supporting anti-doping in a very positive direction with the actions of USADA [United States Anti-Doping Agency] and the recent clean-up in cycling.”

Fuentes was also struck off, but only for four years, after which he will once again be able to work with athletes.

The outcome and punishments handed out do very little to act as a worthwhile deterrent in the fight against doping. The Spanish anti-doping system had a legitimate opportunity to demonstrate it is serious in the fight against doping but there is little evidence to show of that on the outcome of this trial.

Spain’s reputation of being soft on doping is only confirmed by the flimsy outcome of Operation Puerto.

People will surely question the validity of such an expensive trial and time consuming investigation culminating in such a disappointing outcome. Lets hope the lessons from Operation Puerto don’t jeopardise any further such investigations into illegal doping rings.

Alex’s coach is Peter Richards of Teco Training based in Queensland, Australia. Richards sees huge promise in the young rider, “I started working with Alex a couple of years ago, he was very keen and showed that he had some excellent numbers in testing. He listens to advice and always wants to know where he can do better.”

Richards is full of praise for the youngster, “”When I first met him, I felt he could be a good time trailer and even though he has done well in sprints I do feel that this is an area where he can excel and in the recent Tour De Perth he proved that. I told Alex he would have to give 100% to succeed and he does, I see a great future for him. As a coach, he is a pleasure to work with and I see a great future for him.”

Our South African Ambassador Yolande caught up with Alex prior to the Tour de Perth…

For those who are unfamiliar with Team Budget Forklift, share with us some insights into the setup of the team?
Team Budget Forklifts began in 2006 as a Perth based Junior Development team & has since gone onto become one of Australia’s top domestic teams. The UCI Continental team holds its values at developing riders into professional athletes & giving them that stepping stone to gain results to be picked up by European & American teams. We are a UCI Continental team with riders based all over Australia & New Zealand, racing the National Road Series here in Australia & some UCI Asia Tours.

You have mentioned that you have been introduced to Bike Pure in 2010, what anti-doping message would you like to share with others?
My anti-doping message is say NO to performance enhancing drugs & succeed with your own ability, your letting down a number of people not only yourself. This decision will affect your life in the long run & this can’t be reversed. Make the right decision & live your life knowing you gave your sport 100% commitment with your hard work.

What inspired you to become a professional bike rider?
I raced BMX as junior for many years & accomplished great results. I transitioned into road & track racing as a junior for extra training for BMX until I hung the bike up. After a short hiatus, as corny as it sounds the 2009 Tour gave me inspiration to take the sport back up again. From then i’ve progressed to where I am today & am thankful for the help people have given me over the last few years.

What makes cycling such an exciting sport?
There are many aspects that make cycling exciting. For me the fact you can ride your bike all day at your own pace & conquer mountain tops, you’d never go is something that makes me happy. The places cycling can take you & the cultures you get to experience is something irreplaceable. Cycling is such a tough discipline, you spend 15 – 30 hrs a week on your bike training hard for months on end for one race & on the day it can go either way, in your favour or against you. Its all about making your own luck & throwing your arms up over the finishing line in first place is the best feeling, knowing you have given everything & all the hard work has paid off. Its an indescribable feeling!

You are participating in an upcoming Australian National Road Series, kicking off in Perth, any goals in mind for the tour?
Tour de Perth is the first race on the National Road Series Calendar. Team Budget Forklifts is looking to stamp our authority & show the teams we mean business again this year after a dominant 2012. My personal goals are to take stage wins on the sprint days & contend for the sprint jersey.

What message do you have for you loyal fans out there?
Follow your dreams, only you can make them come true.

From our side, we would like to wish Alex all of the very best with his season ahead.

Website: http://teambudgetforklifts.webs.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alwohler
Coach: Peter Richards – Teco Training

On Thursday, 4 April, the organisation of the Royal Smilde Olympia’s Tour 2013 announced the definitive route for the 61st edition of oldest state race in the Netherlands. This week, the municipality of Katwijk signed on as the start of the Tour on the 13th of May.

Partnership Bike Pure
In light of the recent developments, Royal Smilde Olympia’s Tour sees the importance of a clean sport. Therefore a decision has been made to engage in a supporting partnership with the independent organisation Bike Pure, which promotes a fair and clean sport of cycling.

Chairman of Bike Pure Andy Layhe is pleased with the partnership: “Bike Pure are pleased to partner the 60th edition of the Royal Smilde Olympia’s Tour, the oldest and most prolific stage race on the Dutch cycling calendar. The Olympia’s Tour has long been an established breeding ground for young and aspiring riders, providing a stepping stone into the wider ranks of the professional peleton. Dutch cycling suffers as a direct result of doping scandals but it is implementing some preventative measures that will hopefully see the sport moving into a healthier position in future. We are delighted to see events such as the Royal Smilde Olympia’s Tour supporting ethical sport. Jetse Bol, who won the Olympia’s Tour in 2011 is one of our most respected and established role models so it’s a natural partnership between Bike Pure and Olympia’s.”

Organiser of Olympia’s Tour Frank Boelé adds: “The Bike Pure logo will adorn the jersey of this years race leader, sending a clear signal that the sport is changing. As organiser we support a clean and fair sport. With this supporting partnership we want to underscore the importance the organisation places on safeguarding the investments made in the sport.”


The 2013 schedule will bring stages to various corners of the Netherlands. On the 13th of May, Olympia’s Tour will start with a prologue in Katwijk. The beautiful Dutch coastal town makes its debut as the location of a stage. The first stage will begin in Noordwijk and finish in Hoofddorp, which is hosting a stage for the sixth time. For the second stage, the riders will travel to the centre of the country where Rhenen will host the race caravan for the first time. Following the start at the Ouwehands Zoo on top of the Grebbeberg, the peloton will ride north towards Alkmaar. After the finish, the entourage will pack up for a move to the East of the country.

The third stage will start in Ulft and will cover the entire Achterhoek region with a finish in Gendringen. The queen stage is traditionally in South Limburg. After the start of the fourth stage in Bocholtz, all of the famous hills of Limburg will be traversed with the peloton finishing in Voerendaal. The finale of the 61st edition will take place in Reuver where a time trial and short local circuit will be ridden.

First marquix teams confirmed

The organisers of the Royal Smilde Olympia’s Tour are proud to present five of the twenty total teams that will take part, namely:
• Rabobank Development Team (NED)
• Koga Cycling Team (NED)
• Cycling Team Jo Piels (NED)
• National Team New Zealand (NZL)
• Australian-23 National Team (AUS)

As in years past, there are a number of good teams with a lot of young talent. The interest from abroad is great but at the moment only Australia and New Zeeland can be confirmed. The Australian team made a good impression last year, in particular with a strong showing in the time trial.

Title Sponsor Royal Smilde celebrates their 150th anniversary has been valued partner of Olympia’s Tour for years. The first edition of Olympia’s Tour took place in 1909, with the start and finish in Amsterdam, which makes it the oldest stage race in the Netherlands. The race has been held every year since 1955 and is a fixture in Dutch cycling sport. The Tour is of great importance in the development of young riders both national and international. Last year, Dylan van Baarle won the Tour and in 2001 is was Jetse Bol. Of the last ten winners, 7 have become professional riders:  Jetse Bol, Taylor Phinner, Lars Boom, Tome Veelers, Stef Clement and Joost Posthuma.  Great riders are amongst the Tour winners such as: Fedor den Hartog, Roy Schuiten, Cees Priem, Gerrit Solleveld, Leo van Vliet and Henk Nijdam.

The route of the 61st edition Royal Smilde Olympia’s Tour:
13 May: Prologue Katwijk (ind. time trial)  … km
14 May: 1st stage Noordwijk – Hoofddorp 181,1 km
15 May: 2nd stage Rhenen – Alkmaar 173,3 km
16 May: 3rd stage Ulft – Gendringen 157,8 km
17 May: 4th stage Bocholtz – Voerendaal 192,5 km
18 May: 5th stage Reuver (time trial) 13,8 km
18 May: 6th stage Reuver – Reuver (local circuit) 79,9 km

Official Event website: www.olympiastour.com
Twitter: @OlympiasTour

Watch some highlights from last year’s Olympia’s Tour on their YouTube channel:

Jon has added another day to this already prestigious event, which is a key feature in the British Cycling Women’s Team Series. As well as the additional day, a newly built bypass around the villages in North Bedford, England has allowed a brand new course to be built, so everyone from the newest junior to the most experienced of seniors is as new to this set-up as the next.

The 3 Days of Bedford now starts on Saturday 4th May 2013, using the Great Barford village hall as its Headquarters.
Day 1 sees the riders taking in the scenery with a 55 km rolling course.
Day 2 sees the Team Time Trial in the morning, then in the afternoon an 80 km race, as if they were tired enough.
Day 3 sees the race go to the traditional final day in the Millbrook Vehicle Testing track where excerpts of the latest James Bond film were filmed and is also the test track for the BBC series Top Gear, so smooth surfaces and fast times can be expected, hopefully.

This year sees race organiser Jon Miles take an innovative and may I say fresh and very welcomed approach to women’s cycling. He has added a race specifically for Cat 3 and 4 women riders. When asked about it recently Jon said, “I realise that some of the lower category riders enter this stage race because it has been the only women’s race that weekend, and they have no expectation of finishing. Because of this I have decided to hold a race tailored for 3 and 4 category women riders at the Millbrook course on Bank Holiday Monday 6th May. I really do hope that riders will see that they will have a better race that weekend by entering the Millbrook Classic for Women.”

This classic stage race in the women’s calendar has been organised by Jon Miles over the last twenty or so years, and as such has some valuable support from Rouleur Magazine and Velocite Bikes. Shutt VR are supplying all the race leader’s jerseys, whilst our friends at Bottle Sport are keeping all the ladies hydrated with their bottles.

Stef Wyman, the Director Sportif of the Matrix Fitness Racing Academy (@onthedrops) will be supplying all the elements which make up a successful and sought after winners podium, whilst also finding an anonymous donor to increase the prize money to a worthy £2000 in total. Nice work Stef.

And thanks to Stef’s introduction I have managed to arrange with Jon that we at Bike Pure are sponsoring the Junior Race category and jersey. This is a continuation of our pledge to develop youth and junior talent in the sport.

I (@BikePureUK) will also be there on the Bank Holiday Monday with a gazebo kindly lent to us by our partners and friends at Bike Science UK (@bike_science) http://www.bike-science.com.

I’ll have lots of Bike Pure literature and merchandise to spread the word, so please come over and chat to me if your there.

Lastly, I’d like to thank Jon openly for the opportunity in joining this prestigious event, and hopefully helping him taking it forward in the future.

Authored by
Karl Nielsen
@BikePureUK

Links:
Twitter @Bedford3Day
Event website: http://www.womensteamseries.co.uk/
Event Details and entry forms: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/84591/3-Days-of-Bedford-Women’s-Stage-Race

After the tragic death of Burry Stabder, Sauser called it his “most special win”.

He said that he was inspired by the Stander family and the children by Songo.info charity for disadvantage township youngster.

“In all my other wins, I had the yellow jersey on day one and kept it,” he said.

“But this was hard. When we were nine minutes behind on the third stage, we weren’t riding for the Epic anymore, we were riding for Burry’s family, and all the kids who sent us messages of support. We had to push all the way, there were no free rides.”

Jaroslav, who rode with Stander for Team Specialized, recalled getting the call from Sauser, after Stander’s death.

“He wrote to me, saying ‘let’s win the Cape Epic for Burry.’ Kulhavy said.

Karl Platt and Urs Huber (Team Bulls), had a remarkable Epic, until the wrong turn off in Wellington cost their chances of overall victory, to finish 2nd.

Team Bulls 2 of Thomas Dietsch and Tim Boehme, rounded off the top 3 overall podium.

However, Team Multivan Merida’s Jose Hermida and Rudi van Houts, went strong out to make it stage win number 2 on the final day, but missed out on a overall podium position, to finish 4th.

The all South African team of Team Scott Factory Racing’s Philip Buys and Matthys Beukes, finished 2nd in today’s stage 7, while taking the ABSA All African Jersey.

“It’s amazing. We set out to win the Absa African Jersey and anything else was a bonus,” said Buys.

“We got two podium finishes and ended in the top 10, so we are happy.”

History has also been made today, when Karl Platt became the first international rider to finish all 10 Absa Cape Epic’s of which he won 4, while Brandon Stewart of Fedgroup Itec, became the first South African to finish all 10 as well.

Due to a heavy fall that saw Yolande Speedy ended up with a shoulder injury during stage 5,with the support of fellow Team Energas partner, Catherine Williamson managed to take the overall win in the ladies category. Hanlie Booyens and Ischen Stopforth (Team Pragma Volcon) finished in second, ahead of Sara Mertens and Laura Turpijn (Team C-Bear) who managed to pull off the stage win, finished in 3rd.

Huge applause goes out to each and ever rider who finished. You are all champions.

RESULTS

Men Stage:

1, J Hermida & R van Houts (Multivan Merida) 2h 22m 20.2s
2, P Buys & M Beukes (Scott Factory) +0.01s
3, N Schurter & F Vogel (Scott-Swisspower MTB) +3.43.4
4, C Sauser & J Kulhavy (Burry Stander Songo) +4-58.7
5, M Fontana & M Fumic (Cannondale Factory Racing) +5-27.2
6, K Platt & U Huber (Bulls 1) +5-47.9
7, T Dietsch & T Boehme (Bulls 2) +5-48.0
8, H Becking & J Novak (Superior Brentjens) +8-07.9
9, S Sahm & S Stiebjahn (Bulls 3) +8-56.3
10, R Paulisson & Y Zoli (Torpado Surfingshop) +10-48.9

Men Overall:

1, C Sauser & J Kulhavy 29h 40h 44.9s
2, K Platt & U Huber +7-10
3, T Dietsch & T Boehme +26-51
4, J Hermida & R van Houts +39-10
5, M Fontana & M Fumic +1-06-24
6, P Buys & M Beukesl +1-06-58
7, S Sahm & S Stiebjahn +1-29-34
8, H Becking & J Novak +1-41-18
9, D Lill & C Keey (Cannondale Blend) 2-04-06
10, R Paulisson & Y Zoli 2-29-13.

Women Stage:

1, S Mertens & L Turpijn (C-Bear) 3h 18m 57.9s
2, H Booyens & I Stopforth (Pragma Volcan Ladies) +2-38.2
3, 4, S Van Heerden & J Church ( Aspen) +9-41.1
4, A Harrison & M Lourens (Dawn Wing) +24-47.8
5, Y Speedy & C Williamson (Energas) +28-45.7.

Women Overall:
1, Y Speedy & C Williamson 38h 58m 51.9s
2, H Booyens & I Stopforth +1-34-04
3, S Mertens & L Turpijn +2-12-21
4, S Van Heerden & J Church +3-39-16
5, A Harrison & M Lourens +4-28-30.

Early bird entries for the 11th ABSA Cape Epic 2014, opens on the 25th of March (Monday), at 15h00 (GMT+2), while Lottery entries open on the 25th of March and closes on the 30th of May 2013.

Dates for next year, will be from the 23rd – 30th of March 2014. Entry cost per team R45 900.

For more details, visit www.cape-epic.com.

The Belgian Project may have a limited budget but they make up for that with their unlimited desire to help fulfil the dreams of cyclists. This year, in the 5th anniversary of the project, the team is set to field a team of riders in the P&O Ferries Tour of the North race, Northern Ireland’s most prestigious event (until the Tour of Italy arrives there in 2014 of course!)

With a mix of international riders and upcoming juniors, they shall compete with honour under the Bike Pure banner and other firm supporters over the course of the 4 stage event that kicks off with a prologue in the breathtaking surroundings of Stormont, Northern Ireland’s Parliament buildings.

The team will be overlooked by a team of experienced personel, with Directer Sportif Cormac McCann taking control and using his wealth of international experience. Melissa Irvine, sister of current World Champion Martyn, is masseuse and one of Ireland’s most accomplished mechanics Lindsay Gamble will be ensuring the team bikes are in top shape.

Bike Pure will be providing DeFeet socks and gloves for the event. Renowned cycling clothing manufacturer Decca, who also produce the Bike Pure kit, are also helping out with the project by supplying specially commissioned kit to the value of 1000 Euro. CEO of Decca Quinton van Loggerenberg is fully  behind the set up, “As one of the most experienced custom clothing manufacturers in Europe, It is so very important to support the grassroots initiatives to get the athletes on the right path, with ethical guidance and training to eventually give them the shot of cracking the sport at the highest levels. The future of cycling is its youth, trained and supported the clean way, pedalling with help of the selfless supporters and friends who launched them down the right road, track and trail.”

We wish the team every success on their journey, not only in the P&O Ferries Tour of the North but in all their endeavours this year and beyond.

Others who are supporting this worthwhile project are
McConvey Cycles
David McCall Foundation
Galibier Velo
FB Motors
Cycling Ulster
Super 8 Ink – The People’s Republic of Screen Printing
Children’s Heartbeat Trust
Decca

More team info and updates can be found at
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/thebelgianproject
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BelgianProject

YouTube Interview with Dany

The Team:
Marcel Kock, Holland (Elite, 5 wins in 2012)
Allessandro Dewaele, Belgium (U23 and many top 30 finishes in pro kermesse racing in 2012)
Conor McAteer (Current Junior Irish Track Champ 2012)
Curtis Gilmore (up coming talented junior, from the Madigan Team in Carrick, N.Ireland)

Team Staff:
Dany Blondeel (Founder)
Cormac McCann, Director-Sportive
Lindsay Gamble, International Team mechanic
Phil Holland, Chairman of the David McCall Foundation
Melissa Irvine, Team masseaur
David McVeigh, Photographer

Christoph Sauser and Jaroslav Kulhavy (Team Burry Stander Songo), managed to make up some time on the GC, after struggling with mechanical issues during yesterday’s stage, to finish 2nd 46 seconds behind Platt and Huber.

Team Bulls 3 of Thomas Dietsch and Tim Boehme, finished in 3rd.

Darren Lill and Charles Keey (Team Cannondale Blend), secured their ABSA African leaders jersey, after finishing 4th.

In the ladies event, another stage win in the bag for Yolande Speedy and Catherine Williamson (Team Energas), while securing their yellow jersey, in a time of 4:58.36,2.

Sara Mertens and Laura Turpijn (Team C-Bear), finished in 2nd.
On Thursday, riders will be heading towards Wellington from Tulbagh, as a distance of 106km with a total ascent of 1 900m a waits.

Fans are now able to follow the riders daily on the ABSA Cape Epic website, including live web broadcast from each stage.

Visit www.cape-epic.com
Twitter: @ABSACapeEpic

Team Bulls 2 of Dietsch and Boehme, finished second.

Platt and Huber are now leading the GC by six minutes and twenty three seconds ahead of Thomas Dietsch and Tim Boehme of Team Bulls 2.

Some cruel luck struck the Team Burry Stander Songo, of defending champion Christoph Sauser.

He was desperately trying to make up after his partner Kulhavy, snapped his chain in a breakaway.
Despite the mechanicals, Sauser and Kulhavy finished in 3rd, 8 minutes and 44 seconds.

Darren Lill and Charles Keey (Team Cannondale-Blend), were the first South African team to cross the line.

Yolande Speedy and Catherine Williamson (Team Energas), won the ladies category in a time of 6 hours, 51 minutes and 21 seconds, ahead of Hanlie Booyens and Ischen Stopforth (Team Pragma Volcon Ladies).

Wednesday’s stage 3 in the region of Tulbagh, riders will cover a distance of 92 kilometres and 1 950 metres in climbing.

Daily live videos are available to watch directly on the ABSA Cape Epic website: www.cape-epic.com