The Vuelta a España, which set off on Saturday from Monaco, brings to a close four months of an intense and eventful sequence of stage races, which are extremely demanding both physically and mentally for the riders. These races are virtually a rite of passage for any rider hoping to build a successful and as long a career as possible. They are equally essential for the support staff – managers, sports directors, technical and office staff – who play a vital role in the running of their respective teams.
In a world of cycling that has been undergoing transformation for several decades – specialisation in training and pursuit of marginal gains, broadening and specialisation of roles within teams, the fight against doping – our sport is evolving at breakneck speed, whereas just a few years ago it might have been regarded as artisanal or even archaic. Those days are long gone. Just like the era that led to the scandals which undermined cycling’s credibility and to the foundation of the MPCC.
Our sport has evolved, but it must remain vigilant in the face of an unchecked drive for progress and performance. Our movement has repeatedly distinguished itself by adopting proactive measures against doping as the fight took shape worldwide. We have also played our part as whistleblowers when certain dubious practices began to become widespread within the cycling peloton. We continue to do so.
Nevertheless, this work cannot have a meaning unless those involved in cycling commit themselves and speak out for a responsible and vigilant cycling community, opposed to any form of misconduct in the pursuit of performance at any cost. The exploitation of ‘grey areas’ in the anti-doping fight could endanger not only the health of riders but also the work carried out by those involved in the anti-doping fight over so many years.
On the roads of the Vuelta a España, 42 riders are speaking out in favour of a fairer cycling sport as individual members of the MPCC. A quarter of them are under 25, a sign that the younger generations care about a credible cycling movement. These 42 riders represent 16 of the 23 teams taking part in the race, confirming that their commitment reflects their own convictions. Finally, the majority of the teams at the start of the Vuelta (12 out of 23) are also members of our movement.
Faced with the challenges confronting modern cycling ; riders, team managers, staff members and race organisers can send a strong signal by committing to the MPCC. This will ensure our sport remains true to the course it has set for itself for years : taking a zero-tolerance approach to cheating and strengthening its credibility.