Gran Fondo New York conducted out of competition doping controls on April 12, 2012

April 17, 2012 - PRLog -- On April 12, 2012, Gran Fondo New York conducted out of competition doping controls among riders training for May 20, 2012 Gran Fondo New York. The United States Anti-Doping Association (USADA) handled the controls.

Gran Fondo New York’s CEO Uli Fluhme stated “At Gran Fondo New York we are committed to a drug free sport.  For this year's event we allocated $10,000 towards the fight against doping. Anyone testing positive for a substance on the list of banned substances by World Anti Doping Association (WADA) will be banned for life from Gran Fondo New York. Plus, anyone who has ever been banned by a federation will not be allowed to compete. We are not afraid to take drastic measures to keep the competition at Gran Fondo New York clean.”

More doping controls are going to be taken at the finish line of the event. Event-day doping controls have been done at a handful of other mass participation, non-professional cycling events in Europe in the past but never in the US. Furthermore, the more effective, unannounced, out-of-competition tests are a novelty in the world of non-professional sports.

Fluhme adds: “The overwhelming majority of cyclists applauds testing and would never take performance enhancing drugs. It's a small number of riders that tarnishes the reputation of the true sportsmen. Gran Fondo New York is an event that is very inclusive because it allows beginners to ride aside the elite amateurs. It's an amazingly friendly atmosphere with people from over 70 countries and all walks of life coming together to ride and compete. At Gran Fondo New York, we aim to preserve the integrity of competition, inspire true sport, and protect the rights of our athletes.”

The competition at Gran Fondo New York consists of four timed climbs over a 105-mile route. 6000 participants from 48 US States and over 70 countries are competing for King and Queen of the Mountains titles. Prizes have an overall value of over $100,000. The King and Queen of the Mountains winners receive an $8,000 Pinarello racing bike fully equipped with Campagnolo components. Other prizes include Mavic racing wheels, Diadora shoes, Limar helmets and much more.

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Gran Fondo New York brings Italian cycling culture to the world's greatest city. On May 20, 2012, 6000 cyclists take on a challenging 105-mile route from NYC to Bear Mountain and back in an experience fit for a pro and open to anyone who loves to ride.