Naim on doping

OFFERING a guarantee that Malaysian cyclists have been extensively tested, discouraged and warned about doping, Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) chief operating officer, Datuk Naim Mohamad (pic) is now looking at expanding the scope to ensure the country plays its part in the war on doping in sport.

No rider has ever tested positive for any illegal substance in the LTdL's 13-year history, but Naim said it would be foolish to take things for granted.

Firstly, in ensuring that Asia's biggest race raises its standard, doping controls of the current standards conducted in LTdL will be increased for next year's edition set for Feb 9-15.

Doping scandals in cycling on the world stage are beginning to claim victims more than from just within the peloton as last week, satellite television and races in Germany withdrew their activity.

The tours of Stuttgart and Germany next year have already been cancelled in view of the extensive doping scandals threatening the sport in Europe.
"We cannot just cancel a race. That would be wrong because we need to also get the message across, learn more, then eventually fight and win the war. We can do that through our race," said Naim, who is also Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president.

"To begin with, we control matters within our jurisdiction. Every elite Malaysian cyclist has a biological report card done by the National Sports Institute (NSI) and they also go through out-of-competition tests.

"They are regularly updated on the regulations on banned substances and they are sufficiently warned off such activity."

The only Malaysian cyclist caught for doping was former track rider Razif Salleh, who tested positive for steroids normally used by bodybuilders in 2006. He has served a two-year ban following confirmation of out-of-competition tests by the NSI.

Asked whether tests in LTdL previously were sufficient, Naim said they were in accordance to standards set by regulations for a hors category races by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

"You have to note that there is also a cost factor. To carry out doping controls of the current standards already costs us about RM100,000. We can try to increase that with pre-event random tests and to test more riders during the race," said Naim.

"Thus far, we've carried out obligatory tests on winners and jersey holders of every stage and riders through random selection daily during the Tour.

"We will now also look at other measures to be introduced.

"What I can assure you is that, if any of our winners is on dope, he will be caught. We will look into expanding these tests too, to test more riders during the race."