Following the release last week by the UCI of its latest Cycling Independent Reform Commission (CIRC) report, we wanted to get a read on the implications for triathlon and triathletes. So we asked Clean Protocol founder Teague Czislowski, together with his head of science Dr Mike Puchowicz M.D, for their thoughts…
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The recent UCI CIRC report is a reminder of the choice that athletes face; accept the current state of anti-doping which has enabled the culture of doping in countless sports or recognise the need for change and action.
The report confirms to us again that with each new sports doping scandal inquiries are held and reports are written with recommendations hoping to bolster the anti-doping system such as the formation of WADA, a 50% haematocrit test the bio-passport, blood testing, a whereabouts system, out of competition testing, in sleep testing and so on. Each revision is accompanied by an easy and compelling public relations narrative championed by those with an interest to get back to business as soon as possible.
Unfortunately the response from some athletes and their sports entourage is to simply adopt ever more evasive doping practices. This pattern continues until the next doping scandal emerges. The cycle repeats because the imbalance between the incentives to cheat versus any resistance or reason not to cheat is never disrupted.
Like most previous reports or inquiries into doping practices, the report is ultimately another study of failure. While important, the isolated study of past failure creates expertise only in further failure. It is not surprising then that there were few new revelations or insights in the report. It was already well known that the doping culture is deeply entrenched in cycling. What is surprising though is that hope continues to be put on each new torch bearer that emerges in the procession of scandal: 1984 Olympics, PDM, Festina, Human Plasma, Freiburg Clinic, Operation Puerto, Oil for Drugs, USADA, Mantova, Padova, Astana, CIRC.
(Credit: Anita Ritenour)
Loss of credibility
People cheat because they want to profit from the deception, but they also have a need to see themselves as fundamentally good people. That is only possible if they believe everyone is doping or it is condoned by those around them. Such acceptance of doping results in a fundamental loss of credibility, the sports ecosystem shrinks as sponsors leave and clean athletes retreat. There are winners, but they are mostly unworthy and do not deserve the benefits of sport.
The CIRC report identifies correctly what needs to be done but offers no solutions when it concludes: “Only the participants themselves can decide when enough is enough, and act to effect change…It remains of great importance that all stakeholders, of which the public is one, get behind clean riders and teams.”
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Triathlon as a relatively new sport still has the chance to distinguish itself as a clean sport. But to do so requires action not empty words and public relations efforts.
In that light we established the Clean Protocol as an action plan for athletes to demonstrate they are clean. It does this by using scientifically validated tests for the athlete and their entourage as a health check and then uses ocular motor deception testing to determine whether their sports performance is credible. Instead of catching cheats in ever ingenious ways it focuses on identifying those who are doing the right thing and creates the social context for clean sport to emerge.
In triathlon there is reason for hope with the ‘Kona 9’. Nine professional triathletes (James Cunnama, TJ Tollakson, Luke McKenzie, Andrew Starykowicz, Daniel Halksworth, Harry Wiltshire, Sara Gross, Jodie Swallow, and Mary Beth Ellis) who at some personal risk took the Clean Protocol in the days before the 2014 Ironman World Championships. They have shown that it is possible to disrupt the cycle of failure in anti-doping. They are the future of clean sport, get behind them.
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What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Following the release last week by the UCI of its latest Cycling Independent Reform Commission (CIRC) report, we wanted to get a read on the implications for triathlon and triathletes. So we asked Clean Protocol founder Teague Czislowski, together with his head of science Dr Mike Puchowicz M.D, for their thoughts…
Advertisement
The recent UCI CIRC report is a reminder of the choice that athletes face; accept the current state of anti-doping which has enabled the culture of doping in countless sports or recognise the need for change and action.
The report confirms to us again that with each new sports doping scandal inquiries are held and reports are written with recommendations hoping to bolster the anti-doping system such as the formation of WADA, a 50% haematocrit test the bio-passport, blood testing, a whereabouts system, out of competition testing, in sleep testing and so on. Each revision is accompanied by an easy and compelling public relations narrative championed by those with an interest to get back to business as soon as possible.
Unfortunately the response from some athletes and their sports entourage is to simply adopt ever more evasive doping practices. This pattern continues until the next doping scandal emerges. The cycle repeats because the imbalance between the incentives to cheat versus any resistance or reason not to cheat is never disrupted.
Like most previous reports or inquiries into doping practices, the report is ultimately another study of failure. While important, the isolated study of past failure creates expertise only in further failure. It is not surprising then that there were few new revelations or insights in the report. It was already well known that the doping culture is deeply entrenched in cycling. What is surprising though is that hope continues to be put on each new torch bearer that emerges in the procession of scandal: 1984 Olympics, PDM, Festina, Human Plasma, Freiburg Clinic, Operation Puerto, Oil for Drugs, USADA, Mantova, Padova, Astana, CIRC.
(Credit: Anita Ritenour)
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Loss of credibility
People cheat because they want to profit from the deception, but they also have a need to see themselves as fundamentally good people. That is only possible if they believe everyone is doping or it is condoned by those around them. Such acceptance of doping results in a fundamental loss of credibility, the sports ecosystem shrinks as sponsors leave and clean athletes retreat. There are winners, but they are mostly unworthy and do not deserve the benefits of sport.
The CIRC report identifies correctly what needs to be done but offers no solutions when it concludes: “Only the participants themselves can decide when enough is enough, and act to effect change…It remains of great importance that all stakeholders, of which the public is one, get behind clean riders and teams.”
Triathlon as a relatively new sport still has the chance to distinguish itself as a clean sport. But to do so requires action not empty words and public relations efforts.
In that light we established the Clean Protocol as an action plan for athletes to demonstrate they are clean. It does this by using scientifically validated tests for the athlete and their entourage as a health check and then uses ocular motor deception testing to determine whether their sports performance is credible. Instead of catching cheats in ever ingenious ways it focuses on identifying those who are doing the right thing and creates the social context for clean sport to emerge.
In triathlon there is reason for hope with the ‘Kona 9’. Nine professional triathletes (James Cunnama, TJ Tollakson, Luke McKenzie, Andrew Starykowicz, Daniel Halksworth, Harry Wiltshire, Sara Gross, Jodie Swallow, and Mary Beth Ellis) who at some personal risk took the Clean Protocol in the days before the 2014 Ironman World Championships. They have shown that it is possible to disrupt the cycle of failure in anti-doping. They are the future of clean sport, get behind them.
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What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Are you racing Windsor Triathlon this June? It’s going to be a big one – the 25th time organisers Human Race have held a triathlon along the Thames in Berkshire, and they’re planning a big celebration.
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Over two and a half decades the race has seen some of UK triathlon’s biggest names take podium honours, including Vanessa Raw, Tom Bishop, Richard Stannard and Emma Pallant, to name just a few.
In recognition of that history, we asked tri coach and commentator Steve Trew to help us compare some of the past winners in the (highly scientific) form of trump cards – see what you think…
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Will you be racing Windsor Triathlon this June? Let us know in the comments below!
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Are you racing Windsor Triathlon this June? It’s going to be a big one – the 25th time organisers Human Race have held a triathlon along the Thames in Berkshire, and they’re planning a big celebration.
Advertisement
Over two and a half decades the race has seen some of UK triathlon’s biggest names take podium honours, including Vanessa Raw, Tom Bishop, Richard Stannard and Emma Pallant, to name just a few.
In recognition of that history, we asked tri coach and commentator Steve Trew to help us compare some of the past winners in the (highly scientific) form of trump cards – see what you think…
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Will you be racing Windsor Triathlon this June? Let us know in the comments below!
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Ironman has announced the 100 lucky age-groupers who have won a spot at this year’s Kona via its lottery programme, along with the 100 age-groupers who have earned their spot through its legacy programme.
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This year’s lottery-winning athletes range in age from 20 to 74 and represent 16 countries, with seven of them Brits:
George Banks, 26, from London
Gabriela Rendekova, 33, from London
Luis Arosemena, 41, from Kingston Upon Thames
Robert Clarkson, 48, from Godalming in Surrey
John Krumins, 50, from London
Nicola Walker, 52, from Largs in Scotland
and Jennifer Tait, 53, from Oxford.
The lottery programme was set up by Ironman founders John and Judy Collins in 1983, and also has slots for five physically-challenged age-group athletes, none of them Brits this year.
Legacy programme
This year’s legacy winning athletes include four Brits:
James Dalton, 39, from Kings Langley
Jason McKinnon, 41, from Kineton in Warwickshire
Stuart Staples, 41, from Bicester
and Matthew Dawes, 42, from London
In order to qualify for this year’s legacy spots, athletes must have completed a minimum of 12 full-distance Ironman races, have never started in Kona, have completed at least one Ironman event in each of the 2013 and 2014 seasons and be registered for an Ironman event in 2015.
For the full list of Lottery and Legacy winners, visit www.ironman.com.
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Are you one of the lucky ones? Let us know in the comments below!
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Ironman has announced the 100 lucky age-groupers who have won a spot at this year’s Kona via its lottery programme, along with the 100 age-groupers who have earned their spot through its legacy programme.
Advertisement
This year’s lottery-winning athletes range in age from 20 to 74 and represent 16 countries, with seven of them Brits:
George Banks, 26, from London
Gabriela Rendekova, 33, from London
Luis Arosemena, 41, from Kingston Upon Thames
Robert Clarkson, 48, from Godalming in Surrey
John Krumins, 50, from London
Nicola Walker, 52, from Largs in Scotland
and Jennifer Tait, 53, from Oxford.
The lottery programme was set up by Ironman founders John and Judy Collins in 1983, and also has slots for five physically-challenged age-group athletes, none of them Brits this year.
Legacy programme
This year’s legacy winning athletes include four Brits:
James Dalton, 39, from Kings Langley
Jason McKinnon, 41, from Kineton in Warwickshire
Stuart Staples, 41, from Bicester
and Matthew Dawes, 42, from London
In order to qualify for this year’s legacy spots, athletes must have completed a minimum of 12 full-distance Ironman races, have never started in Kona, have completed at least one Ironman event in each of the 2013 and 2014 seasons and be registered for an Ironman event in 2015.
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For the full list of Lottery and Legacy winners, visit www.ironman.com.
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Are you one of the lucky ones? Let us know in the comments below!
One of the UK’s most anticipated season openers, the Oulton Park Spring Duathlon took place last Sunday 15th March at the famous motor racing circuit in Cheshire, featuring a sprint and a standard distance race.
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The race was a qualifying race for both the 2015 ITU World Duathlon Championships and the 2016 ETU Standard Distance Duathlon European Championships and attracted a large field of elite athletes as well as amateur and novice racers. 279 athletes crossed the finish line in the standard distance race and 190 completed the sprint distance race.
The Oulton Park Spring Duathlon is held at one of the country’s finest motor racing circuits and offers many unique features including the mass start on the starting grid, transition in the pits and a traffic free race track. The banked hairpin and the track’s super smooth tarmac guarantee a fast and unique racing experience for all competitors, along with excellent spectating opportunities.
Sprint (4.3km run/21.6km bike/4.3km run)
The sprint race saw some fast times, with four athletes dominating the field and battling it out for first place. Carl Avery beat Christopher Silver of University of Birmingham Tri Club into second place by 10 seconds, claiming the win in a time of 01:01:49. In a sprint finish Ian Lawton secured third place in a time of 01:02:07, one second ahead of Peter Ellis.
In the women’s race, Gwen Kinsey of Stroud Athletic and Hannah Dodwell raced each other for the women’s title, with Kinsey securing the win by crossing the finish line in 01:16:11, seven seconds ahead of Dodwell. Cath Dawson claimed third place in 01:17:14.
Standard (8.6km/38.8km bike/4.3km run)
In the standard race Luke Pollard of RAF Tri Club put in an outstanding performance on the track. Pollard took the lead from the start and kept extending the gap throughout the race, claiming the title in a time of 01:41:02 which is nearly 8 minutes faster than his time last year. Gethin Butler took second place in 01:42:44 ahead of Sean Poulter (Adwick Club) in 01:44:15.
In the women’s race, Dionne Allen of Team Freespeed Skechers Performance dominated the women’s field and secured the win after crossing the finish line in 01:59:26. Karolyn Brown (Ythan Cc) took second place in 02:05:32, with Lisa Grantham (Chester Tri Club) coming third in 02:07:56.
Oulton Park Sprint Distance Duathlon
MEN
1) Carl Avery, 01:01:49
2) Christopher Silver (University of Birmingham Tri Club), 01:01:59
3) Ian Lawton, 01:02:07
WOMEN
1) Gwen Kinsey (Stroud Athletic), 01:16:11
2) Hannah Dodwell, 01:16:18
3) Cath Dawson, 01:17:14
Oulton Park Standard Distance Duathlon
MEN
1) Luke Pollard (RAF Tri Club), 01:41:02
2) Gethin Butler, 01:42:44
3) Sean Poulter (Adwick Club), 01:44:15
WOMEN
1) Dionne Allen (Team Freespeed Skechers Performance), 01:59:26
2) Karolyn Brown (Ythan Cc), 02:05:32
3) Lisa Grantham (Chester Tri Club), 02:07:56
The full results are available here. The Oulton Park Autumn Duathlon takes place on 4th October 2015, giving competitors who enter both the spring and the autumn duathlons a great opportunity to measure their improvement over the season. The National Duathlon Championships will also take place at the Oulton Park Autumn Duathlon.
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Were you racing at Oulton Park last Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
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One of the UK’s most anticipated season openers, the Oulton Park Spring Duathlon took place last Sunday 15th March at the famous motor racing circuit in Cheshire, featuring a sprint and a standard distance race.
Advertisement
The race was a qualifying race for both the 2015 ITU World Duathlon Championships and the 2016 ETU Standard Distance Duathlon European Championships and attracted a large field of elite athletes as well as amateur and novice racers. 279 athletes crossed the finish line in the standard distance race and 190 completed the sprint distance race.
The Oulton Park Spring Duathlon is held at one of the country’s finest motor racing circuits and offers many unique features including the mass start on the starting grid, transition in the pits and a traffic free race track. The banked hairpin and the track’s super smooth tarmac guarantee a fast and unique racing experience for all competitors, along with excellent spectating opportunities.
Sprint (4.3km run/21.6km bike/4.3km run)
The sprint race saw some fast times, with four athletes dominating the field and battling it out for first place. Carl Avery beat Christopher Silver of University of Birmingham Tri Club into second place by 10 seconds, claiming the win in a time of 01:01:49. In a sprint finish Ian Lawton secured third place in a time of 01:02:07, one second ahead of Peter Ellis.
In the women’s race, Gwen Kinsey of Stroud Athletic and Hannah Dodwell raced each other for the women’s title, with Kinsey securing the win by crossing the finish line in 01:16:11, seven seconds ahead of Dodwell. Cath Dawson claimed third place in 01:17:14.
Standard (8.6km/38.8km bike/4.3km run)
In the standard race Luke Pollard of RAF Tri Club put in an outstanding performance on the track. Pollard took the lead from the start and kept extending the gap throughout the race, claiming the title in a time of 01:41:02 which is nearly 8 minutes faster than his time last year. Gethin Butler took second place in 01:42:44 ahead of Sean Poulter (Adwick Club) in 01:44:15.
In the women’s race, Dionne Allen of Team Freespeed Skechers Performance dominated the women’s field and secured the win after crossing the finish line in 01:59:26. Karolyn Brown (Ythan Cc) took second place in 02:05:32, with Lisa Grantham (Chester Tri Club) coming third in 02:07:56.
Oulton Park Sprint Distance Duathlon
MEN
1) Carl Avery, 01:01:49
2) Christopher Silver (University of Birmingham Tri Club), 01:01:59
3) Ian Lawton, 01:02:07
WOMEN
1) Gwen Kinsey (Stroud Athletic), 01:16:11
2) Hannah Dodwell, 01:16:18
3) Cath Dawson, 01:17:14
Oulton Park Standard Distance Duathlon
MEN
1) Luke Pollard (RAF Tri Club), 01:41:02
2) Gethin Butler, 01:42:44
3) Sean Poulter (Adwick Club), 01:44:15
WOMEN
1) Dionne Allen (Team Freespeed Skechers Performance), 01:59:26
2) Karolyn Brown (Ythan Cc), 02:05:32
3) Lisa Grantham (Chester Tri Club), 02:07:56
The full results are available here. The Oulton Park Autumn Duathlon takes place on 4th October 2015, giving competitors who enter both the spring and the autumn duathlons a great opportunity to measure their improvement over the season. The National Duathlon Championships will also take place at the Oulton Park Autumn Duathlon.
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Were you racing at Oulton Park last Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
With less than five months to go until the new Para Tri Series holds its first event, we speak to ambassador and star British Paralympian David Weir about his paratri debut, and his search for teammates.
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So you are taking on your first triathlon, which is a bit of a departure for you. Why have you decided to get involved in Para Tri?
I was over the moon when I heard about Para Tri. At last there is a mass-participation sports event dedicated to people with disabilities. Anyone who considers themselves to have a disability – any disability – can join in and have a go.
You don’t have to be elite. My main focus is still the marathon and Rio 2016, but we also need events like this that encourage people to come together and have fun with sport.
What is your least favourite triathlon discipline?
Let’s just say swimming isn’t my strongest sport… but that is what’s great about Para Tri. There are two relay races that allow those who can’t or don’t want to do every stage to join forces with friends, family and colleagues. Anyone can enter the relays as long as there is at least one person with a disability per team.
We hear you’re launching a competition. Tell us about it.
I’ve signed up for the entry-level Sprint Para Tri Relay – 150m swim, 3k cycle/push, 1k run/push – and I’m looking for two relay partners to complete my team. I’m after great team spirit, rather than top speeds. Para Tri isn’t about winning medals, it’s about getting active and enjoying yourself.
Anyone who signs up for a Para Tri race before 30 April 2015 can enter the competition. All they have to do is go on to www.paratri.com to tell me their story and why they think they should be on my team. The two chosen winners will join me on the day.
I’m taking on the groundbreaking Para Tri – join my relay team at http://t.co/HEj8ha4rwX @Para_Tri #DreamTeam pic.twitter.com/iuDoT7kSlL
— David Weir CBE (@davidweir2012) March 11, 2015
What top tips would you give to someone doing an event like this for the first time?
Find a sport you enjoy as it’s easier to train for something you look forward to. Secondly, set achievable targets. No one likes to fail! Also, it always helps to find a friend to train with – it’s great for motivation. And lastly, always reward yourself for your training achievements, however small.
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For more information on the Para Tri Series and to register, head to www.paratri.com
With less than five months to go until the new Para Tri Series holds its first event, we speak to ambassador and star British Paralympian David Weir about his paratri debut, and his search for teammates.
Advertisement
So you are taking on your first triathlon, which is a bit of a departure for you. Why have you decided to get involved in Para Tri?
I was over the moon when I heard about Para Tri. At last there is a mass-participation sports event dedicated to people with disabilities. Anyone who considers themselves to have a disability – any disability – can join in and have a go.
You don’t have to be elite. My main focus is still the marathon and Rio 2016, but we also need events like this that encourage people to come together and have fun with sport.
What is your least favourite triathlon discipline?
Let’s just say swimming isn’t my strongest sport… but that is what’s great about Para Tri. There are two relay races that allow those who can’t or don’t want to do every stage to join forces with friends, family and colleagues. Anyone can enter the relays as long as there is at least one person with a disability per team.
We hear you’re launching a competition. Tell us about it.
I’ve signed up for the entry-level Sprint Para Tri Relay – 150m swim, 3k cycle/push, 1k run/push – and I’m looking for two relay partners to complete my team. I’m after great team spirit, rather than top speeds. Para Tri isn’t about winning medals, it’s about getting active and enjoying yourself.
Anyone who signs up for a Para Tri race before 30 April 2015 can enter the competition. All they have to do is go on to www.paratri.com to tell me their story and why they think they should be on my team. The two chosen winners will join me on the day.
I’m taking on the groundbreaking Para Tri – join my relay team at http://t.co/HEj8ha4rwX @Para_Tri #DreamTeam pic.twitter.com/iuDoT7kSlL
— David Weir CBE (@davidweir2012) March 11, 2015
What top tips would you give to someone doing an event like this for the first time?
Find a sport you enjoy as it’s easier to train for something you look forward to. Secondly, set achievable targets. No one likes to fail! Also, it always helps to find a friend to train with – it’s great for motivation. And lastly, always reward yourself for your training achievements, however small.
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For more information on the Para Tri Series and to register, head to www.paratri.com
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