New Doping Method Gets Pissed Away

Just what the cycling world needs, more news of how to cheat. The Swiss anti-doping lab in Lausanne published a new study in which a common enzyme used in washing detergents is used to destroy doping byproducts in urine. Labs have been finding a total lack of EPO in some samples, which raises flags because the body produces EPO naturally. But by using protease, an enzyme used to break down proteins, such as a grass stain, cyclists can erase the protein markers of artificial EPO. In the AP version of the report, officials describe how cyclists could fool the testers:

Cheaters could slip the powder into a urine sample by putting a hand in their pocket where some protease is stashed, then urinating on their fingers. Very little powder is needed to break down proteins — including EPO — in urine in the space of a few minutes.

Disgusting. This new doping discovery is some of the fallout from the Operation Puerto scandal. At least the information is being disseminated quickly. Yes, I had to go there.