Doping use among elite cyclists : a qualitative psychosociological approach

Abstract

Using a psychosociological approach, the purpose of thisstudy was to identify and understand the use of dopingsubstances by young elite cyclists. Semi-structured inter-views were conducted with young cyclists who were hopingto find a professional team and cyclists who had recentlybecome professional. All of the young cyclists interviewedtook nutritional supplements and believed that they im-proved their performance, which has been shown by otherscholars to be a risk factor for doping. These cyclistsbelieved that doping at the professional level in cyclingwas acceptable but did not approve of it at the amateur level.They were attracted to doping; they were open to usingdoping substances themselves if it was the key to continuingtheir cycling career, but only after they became professional.Team staff, doctors, parents and friends helped to create a‘‘clean’’ environment that prevented the young cyclists fromdoping before becoming professional. The more experiencedcyclists, who doped or used to dope, transmitted the cultureof doping to the young cyclists, teaching them dopingmethods and which substances to use. This study couldhelp to improve prevention and help to detect doping, as it isclear that doping behaviors begin at the amateur level.