According to a report by the “Ciclo21” portal, only 52 of 182 riders reached the finish in Villena. In previous years it was usually half of the drivers. Participants related the mass tasks to the random checks. “Anti-doping controls in Villena lead to breakdowns and abandonments. This is not a mathematical formula, but reality. I hope the measures work because this is a damn joke,” said eighth-placed Alvaro Marza. According to his own information, he tested negative.
The organizer published a statement in which he explained the doping controls by saying that they were subject to the rules of the world association UCI. “We want to send a clear message to all cyclists and fans: doping has no place in our sport. We support cyclists who are fair and honest,” the statement said.
The opening race will take place in the local cycling Bundesliga next weekend, where an amateur competition will also be held. Doping controls are also possible for this date.
