MotoGP riders weren’t the only ones to get the lowdown on anti–doping, the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock riders also got briefed during the Assen round last weekend.
The FIM’s Medical Director, Dr David McManus and Evelyne Magnin, the FIM Medical & Anti–Doping Coordinator, gave the same info to these riders, “This is another important opportunity to meet with the riders at the highest level of our sport because we are aware that there is concern, anxiety and uncertainty about aspects of anti–doping.
It is an opportunity for us to clarify a lot of the issues, provide explanations and reassurance about what is the FIM anti–doping programme”.
said McManus.
As the FIM has an obligation to comply with the WADA World Anti–Doping Code, it was neccessary to explain the policies to riders, and to allow them to ask questions, adding that it is important to have frequent contact with the riders so that everyone is comfortable, informed, and safe.
Following the presentation, the riders participated in the discussion during which they asked many questions and requested clarification on a number of points, here’s what several had to say after the discussion:Superstock 1000ccDavide Giugliano: “I think that anti–doping is a correct issue and that riders are firstly athletes who have to find a correct life without all these various doping substances in order to preserve their health.
”Fabio Massei: “After this briefing, I think that we consider more that our sport has to be a clean sport and that we should take it seriously without taking doping substances.
We are athletes and clean boys.
We hope that our sport is a sport without doping.
”Luca Verdini: “In my opinion, anti–doping is a very correct issue as every day, we can see so many athletes that have to stop or are disqualified for doping reasons.
This is why I think it is right to introduce an anti–doping programme in motorcycling.
”Supersport:Sam Lowes: “It has been really good to have this briefing and to understand a bit more background into what is going on.
It has been a big help for me and I have the booklet now and I know the right people to talk to.
”Fabien Foret: “I think that this anti–doping briefing and this system for the future is rather good for our sport in order to prove that we are clean athletes, not taking any prohibited substances.
I think we should show that our sport is really a sport where we don’t need prohibited substances.
”Superbike:Marco Melandri: “I am very happy with this first meeting on anti–doping as I think that there is not so much knowledge among riders and that we are not very competent in this field.
Also I think that it is more important for us to know better the motorbike than to take prohibited substances to be faster.
This meeting was a good start.
It is very important to continue to fight together for a clean sport.
”Leon Camier: “I think this is really a good idea that anti–doping was brought in by the FIM.
Today’s talk was a good chance to learn more about it and how not to make any mistakes.
”Carlos Checa: “I think that it is good information to be able to enter the world of anti–doping and to show that our sport is a clean sport.
I sincerely believe that no substances can make you go faster but it is only the technical aspects such as your ability, your learning, the team, the motorbike which all together can make you go faster.
I think that for the young riders who ignore the fact that substances can harm their health, this kind of information meeting is very interesting and useful.
”Ruben Xaus: “There are many products on the market and we have no information.
I think that this sport is a combination of men’s work, engines, machines and we have not used any of the products to make us better because the technical aspects, the development of the motorbike are really what make the difference.
It is important to know this as the young riders with internet access can be misinformed and could buy inappropriate products.
The young riders can trust us, the old ones, who made it without anything.
Eating well, keeping healthy and exercise are necessary to succeed in sports.
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