Doping in the Tour de France refers to the use of prohibited performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and methods to gain an unfair advantage. These substances help athletes endure extreme physical stress, recover faster, and perform at superhuman levels over 21 grueling stages and more than 3,500 kilometers.

While modern testing has reduced open cheating, doping remains a shadow over professional cycling. For fitness enthusiasts, gym-goers, and amateur cyclists, understanding what’s been used—and why—can help separate fact from myth, and inform smarter, safer decisions about training and recovery.

Why Do Cyclists Dope? The Science Behind the Temptation

The Tour de France demands peak endurance, with riders averaging 3,000–6,000 kcal burned per day and climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest over three weeks Mayo Clinic – Energy Expenditure in Elite Athletes .

To survive, many have turned to doping for:

• Increased oxygen delivery
• Faster recovery
• Reduced fatigue
• Enhanced fat metabolism
• Pain masking

As Dr. Mike Israetel (PhD, CSCS) explains, “The margin between winning and losing is so small that even a 1–2% edge can mean the difference between standing on the podium or going home empty-handed” RP Strength Podcast, 2022 .

The Most Common Doping Substances in Cycling History

1. EPO (Erythropoietin) – The Oxygen Booster

EPO is a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, increasing oxygen-carrying capacity and aerobic endurance.

• How it works: More red blood cells = more oxygen to muscles = delayed fatigue.
• Detection: Blood tests track hematocrit and reticulocyte levels. The biological passport monitors long-term blood profiles WADA – Biological Passport Program .

A 1996 study found EPO increased VO₂ max by 10–15% in trained cyclists Birkeland et al., Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2000 .

Real-world case: Lance Armstrong used EPO for years before being stripped of 7 Tour titles after a USADA investigation revealed systemic doping USADA Reasoned Decision, 2012 .

2. Blood Doping – The Ultimate Oxygen Hack

Autologous blood transfusions involve withdrawing and re-infusing a rider’s own blood before a race to boost red cell count.

• Undetectable for years because it uses the athlete’s own blood.
• Now monitored via the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP).

A 2003 study showed transfusions increased time to exhaustion by 30–54% in elite cyclists Burge et al., Journal of Applied Physiology, 2003 .

Scandal: Operación Puerto (2006) exposed a Spanish network supplying blood doping to top cyclists, including Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso BBC News, 2006 .

3. Anabolic Steroids – Beyond Muscle: Recovery, Endurance, and Suppression

What Are Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS)?

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. While best known for increasing muscle mass, their role in endurance sports like cycling is often misunderstood.

In professional cycling, AAS are not used to get “bigger”—riders don’t need bulky physiques. Instead, they’re used to:

• Accelerate recovery between brutal stages
• Reduce muscle protein breakdown during extreme calorie deficits
• Improve training tolerance, allowing riders to absorb more volume
• Maintain lean mass while losing fat at high altitudes

As Dr. Mike Israetel (PhD, CSCS) explains: “Steroids don’t just build muscle—they protect it under stress. That’s why endurance athletes use them” [RP Strength Podcast, 2022].

Common Anabolic Steroids in Cycling

How Do Steroids Help Endurance Athletes?

1. Faster Recovery

• Steroids increase protein synthesis and reduce catabolism.
• A 2001 study found testosterone reduced creatine kinase (CK) levels by 40% after intense exercise, indicating less muscle damage Pincivero et al., Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research .

2. Improved Red Blood Cell Production

• Nandrolone stimulates erythropoiesis (RBC production), similar to EPO.
• This enhances oxygen delivery, crucial for stage racing.

3. Appetite and Sleep Regulation

• Riders often struggle with appetite suppression at high altitudes.
• Testosterone increases appetite and improves sleep quality, aiding recovery.

“You’re not doping to get huge—you’re doping to survive,” says Greg Doucette, former pro bodybuilder and educator [YouTube, 2020].

Real-World Cases in Cycling

Floyd Landis – 2006 Tour de France

• Tested positive for synthetic testosterone after a miraculous Stage 17 comeback.
• T/E ratio (testosterone to epitestosterone) was 11:1, far above the 4:1 limit.
• Landis claimed it was due to natural fluctuations, but carbon isotope testing confirmed synthetic origin [USADA, 2007].

Tyler Hamilton – 2004 Olympics

• First cyclist to test positive for blood transfusions.
• Later admitted to using testosterone, EPO, and HGH in his book The Secret Race.

Operación Puerto (2006)

• Spanish police uncovered a blood doping ring linked to Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes.
• Over 200 blood bags were seized, many labeled with rider names.
• Riders like Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso were implicated and suspended.

Detection & Evasion Tactics

Carbon Isotope Ratio (CIR) Testing

• Detects synthetic vs. natural testosterone by analyzing carbon-13 levels.
• Introduced in 2005, it revolutionized steroid detection.

T/E Ratio Monitoring

• Normal ratio: ~1:1
• WADA limit: 4:1
• Some riders use epitestosterone to normalize ratios.

Micro-Dosing

• Small, frequent doses to stay below detection thresholds.
• Harder to catch with traditional testing.

“The game now is timing and metabolism,” says Dr. Abraham “Abby” Lock, hormone specialist [Men’s Health and Hormone Podcast, 2021].

Side Effects & Long-Term Risks

Despite benefits, steroids carry serious health risks:

A 2021 review in Sports Medicine found anabolic steroid users had a 3x higher risk of sudden cardiac death Kolliari-Turner et al., Sports Medicine, 2021 .

4. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) – The Recovery Enhancer

HGH promotes tissue repair, fat metabolism, and muscle growth.

• Used to speed recovery between stages.
• Hard to detect—WADA uses IGF-1 biomarkers as indirect evidence.

A 2010 Danish study found HGH increased sprint capacity by 8% in competitive athletes Bidlingmaier et al., European Journal of Endocrinology, 2010 .

Controversy: Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky were investigated for HGH use via Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), though no rules were broken UK Anti-Doping, 2017 .

5. Peptides – The New Generation of Doping

Peptides have emerged as the most advanced and elusive class of doping agents in modern cycling. Unlike steroids, they are not hormones—they are signaling molecules that tell the body to produce its own growth factors.

Because many are sold as “research chemicals” and lack approved medical use in sports, they occupy a gray zone in anti-doping regulation.

“Peptides are the future of doping—they’re hard to detect, easy to dose, and highly effective,” says Leo Rex (Leo Longevity), longevity and performance researcher [YouTube, 2023].

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers in the body. They bind to receptors and trigger specific physiological responses—like increasing HGH, IGF-1, or tissue repair.

Most are administered via subcutaneous injection, though some are nasal or oral.

The Most Common Peptides in Cycling

1. CJC-1295 & DAC / Mod-GRF (1-29)

• Function: Stimulates pituitary release of growth hormone (HGH).
• CJC-1295 with DAC has a 6–8 day half-life, making it detectable.
• Mod-GRF (1-29) is shorter-acting (~30 min), often used with GHRP-6.

A 2010 study found CJC-1295 increased IGF-1 levels by 200–300% over 14 days Klinger et al., European Journal of Endocrinology .

2. GHRP-6, GHRP-2, Ipamorelin

• Function: Stimulate ghrelin receptors, boosting HGH and appetite.
• Ipamorelin is selective—fewer side effects (no cortisol or prolactin spikes).
• Often stacked with CJC-1295 for synergistic effect.

“GHRP-6 is like a volume knob for recovery,” says Your Friendly Pharmacist [YouTube, 2021].

3. BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound)

• Function: Promotes gut healing, tendon repair, and angiogenesis.
• Used to recover from knee pain, gut issues, or ulcers.
• No approved human use—studies are mostly animal-based.

A 2018 rat study found BPC-157 accelerated tendon healing by 40% Chang et al., Journal of Orthopaedic Research .

4. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)

• Function: Regulates actin, a protein involved in cell migration and repair.
• Promotes wound healing, muscle regeneration, and hair growth.
• Banned by WADA since 2011.

“TB-500 is like a biological reset button,” says Derrick from Geared Brain [YouTube, 2022].

5. SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)

• Not peptides, but often grouped with them.
• Ostarine (MK-2866), Ligandrol (LGD-4033), RAD-140 mimic testosterone in muscle and bone—without affecting the prostate.

A 2018 study found Ostarine increased lean mass by 1.3 kg in 3 months Basaria et al., The Journals of Gerontology .

Why Are Peptides So Popular in Cycling?

Detection Challenges

WADA uses biomarker profiling rather than direct detection:

• IGF-1 levels for HGH-releasing peptides
• Hematological profiles for tissue-repair peptides
• Mass spectrometry to identify metabolites

But micro-dosing, pulsed administration, and short half-lives make detection difficult.

“We’re 5–10 years behind the dopers,” admits a WADA scientist in a 2022 Steroid Mafia Podcast episode.

Risks & Unknowns

Because peptides lack long-term human studies, risks are poorly understood:

“Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe,” warns Dr. Keith Nichols, sports medicine expert [YouTube, 2021].

6. Stimulants & Bronchodilators – The Wake-Up Call

• Amphetamines: Used in the 1960s–80s to stay awake and reduce fatigue.
• Salbutamol: Asthma inhaler that also enhances fat metabolism.

Chris Froome was cleared in 2018 after testing twice the legal limit of salbutamol, claiming dehydration concentrated his levels UCI, 2018 .

7. Corticosteroids – The Pain Maskers

Drugs like prednisone and dexamethasone reduce inflammation and pain, allowing riders to push through injuries.

• Often used via Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs).
• Team Sky faced scrutiny for using triamcinolone before key races The Guardian, 2016 .

A 2017 study found corticosteroids improved time-trial performance by 3–4% in cyclists Saunders et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2017 .

How Is Doping Detected Today?

The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)

Launched in 2008, the ABP tracks blood and steroid profiles over time to detect abnormal fluctuations—even if no substance is directly found.

• Monitors: Hemoglobin, reticulocytes, steroid ratios
• Stores samples for up to 10 years for retesting
  WADA – Athlete Biological Passport

Out-of-Competition Testing

Riders must report their whereabouts for surprise tests. Miss three in a year? Automatic suspension.

Mass Spectrometry & Isotope Ratio Testing

Detects synthetic vs. natural testosterone by analyzing carbon isotopes.

“It’s not if you get tested—it’s when,” says Dr. Rand McClain, Chief Medical Officer at Levitt Medical Men’s Health and Hormone Podcast, 2020 .

The Gray Zone: Legal vs. Illegal Enhancement

Many substances used in doping are available legally under medical supervision:

• TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy): For low-T, but banned in sport without a TUE.
• Peptides: Sold as “research chemicals”
• SARMs: Marketed as “legal steroids” but banned by WADA.

Greg Doucette (YouTube) warns: “Just because it’s online doesn’t mean it’s safe or legal. Most SARMs are unregulated and contaminated” Greg Doucette – SARMs: The Truth, 2022 .

Health Risks of Doping: What the Studies Say

A 2021 review in Sports Medicine found anabolic steroid users had a 3x higher risk of sudden cardiac death Kolliari-Turner et al., Sports Medicine, 2021 .

What Can Natural Athletes Learn?

You don’t need PEDs to improve. Here’s what works—safely and legally:

1. Optimize Sleep

• 7–9 hours nightly boosts HGH naturally.
• Dr. Andrew Huberman says deep sleep increases growth hormone pulses by 75% Huberman Lab, 2021 .

2. Use Creatine & Beta-Alanine

• Creatine improves high-intensity endurance.
• Beta-alanine buffers muscle acidity.

A 2020 meta-analysis confirmed creatine increases power output by 5–15% Chilibeck et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2020 .

3. Train Smart

• Periodization, zone 2 cardio, and strength training build endurance without drugs.

4. Nutrition

• Beetroot juice (nitrates), caffeine, and omega-3s enhance performance.

Dr. Ted Naiman (The P.E. Diet) emphasizes low-insulin foods for fat loss and endurance Dr. Ted Naiman, YouTube .

Final Thoughts: Respect the Sport, Protect Your Health

The Tour de France has a complex history with doping—one of cheats, cover-ups, and eventual reform. While testing is better than ever, micro-dosing, peptides, and gene doping may be the next frontier.

For fitness enthusiasts and cyclists, the lesson is clear:

Real progress comes from consistency, not shortcuts.

PEDs might offer short-term gains, but they come with health risks, ethical costs, and zero long-term rewards.

As Derrick from Geared Brain says: “You don’t need steroids to get strong. You need discipline, diet, and drive” Geared Brain, 2023 .