NO DRUG TESTING IN BHUTAN

Photo: Free public bike pump has just been installed in our neighbourhood - would be great to see one outside every dzong in Bhutan perhaps one day. Cycling, especially mountain biking, is very popular in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and there are a number of organised races, including a full half day MTB event organised by the Dragon CC. As with other sports in this mountainous country, there is no drug testing.  For example, archers take prescription sedatives to slow their heart rate and thus result in steadier aiming at the target. Many archers also resort to ample quantities of alcohol, partly for social reasons and partly to relax them. Competitors will sometimes be removed from contests if they are really drunk and constitute a hazard to themselves or other archers.

Photo: Monks ride bikes!

Perhaps the remaining druggies in the pro peleton could emigrate to Bhutan and continue to take PED's with impunity until the Bhutan Cycling Association (if there is one) brings in doping control.

General InterestPeter McCafferyComment