Half a dozen of MXGP’s top riders were surprised by a comprehensive doping control last Friday in Teutschenthal and the test involved blood as well as urine samples as the FIM look to impose a more thorough procedure into Grand Prix.
The process was first implemented in the sport during the AMA Supercross Championship and arrived in the MXGP paddock for the first time with riders like Romain Febvre, Valentin Guillod and Shaun Simpson going through the formality.
“The FIM is actively involved with WADA,” explained CMS President Tony Skillington. “The first type of test we did like this was at the supercross this year and I went across to supervise the extraction of blood and urine.
“We tested Ryan Dungey, Trey Canard and Eli Tomac and I have to say that these three riders were extremely respectful of this test when I informed them because it is quite a formal procedure.”
“Within two weeks we had the results cleared and this was another thing I have been pushing for: that we do this job more efficiently in terms of getting it done and declaring the results as quickly as possible so that everybody is informed as to the status of their test,” he added, speaking at Teutschenthal and perhaps alluding to the controversy surrounding the delayed communication about James Stewart’s positive sample and subsequent ban. “It is our first time doing it in the MXGP class this weekend and I hope the same procedure applies. We have been the first to listen about being slow in the past.”
British Champion Simpson posted a photo on his social media channel of his arm with a plaster along with a comment about being pleased that more stringent doping measures had come into Grand Prix. “As with all professional sports these days we have to be up-to-date with anti-doping,” comments Skillington on the revised mandate by the FIM that could see more frequent tests implemented.
Adding: “I don’t have suspicions or anything like that but at the same time it is necessary for our sport and gives a clean and clear signal to those outside that we are doing it and we need to maintain the reputation of the sport. I think it is positive thing and if you have nothing to fear then you have nothing to hide when it comes to the test.”
