ANALYSIS: Why are riders like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard using carbon monoxide?⬇️

Cycling World Divided Over Carbon Monoxide Use Among Riders Like Pogačar and Vingegaard

The professional cycling community is abuzz with debate surrounding reports that elite riders, including Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, might be using carbon monoxide (CO) as a performance-enhancing tool. The practice, which simulates the effects of altitude training, has sparked both intrigue and outrage due to its potential benefits and inherent risks.

The Science Behind Carbon Monoxide in Sports

Carbon monoxide, when inhaled in controlled doses, binds to hemoglobin in the blood, forming carboxyhemoglobin. This process reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen temporarily, which, in theory, forces the body to adapt by producing more red blood cells. This adaptation is similar to the effects of high-altitude training, a widely accepted practice in endurance sports.

For riders like Pogačar and Vingegaard, known for their dominance in grueling events like the Tour de France, such a marginal gain could be crucial. Controlled use of CO allows athletes to mimic high-altitude conditions without the logistical challenges of traveling to and living in mountainous regions.

Performance Gains or Dangerous Risks?

While the potential benefits are evident, the risks are significant. Even small amounts of carbon monoxide can cause hypoxia, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, cardiovascular complications. Mismanaged exposure could be life-threatening.

Critics within the cycling world argue that this practice is reckless, prioritizing short-term performance over long-term health. Others highlight the ethical concerns, likening it to doping practices that have plagued the sport in the past.

“It’s a slippery slope,” said a former professional rider who wished to remain anonymous. “Cycling has a history of pushing boundaries, but using something as dangerous as carbon monoxide feels like crossing a line.”

The Ethical Gray Area

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not currently list carbon monoxide as a prohibited substance, placing it in a regulatory gray area. This has fueled debate about whether its use constitutes an unfair advantage.

Supporters of the practice argue that it’s no different from other legal methods of physiological optimization, such as altitude training tents or hypoxic chambers. Critics, however, contend that introducing toxic gases into the body violates the spirit of fair competition.

“If we accept this, where do we draw the line?” questioned Dr. Maria López, a sports ethics expert. “Athletes are already under immense pressure to perform, and normalizing practices like this could set a dangerous precedent.”

The Future of Cycling Innovation

The controversy comes amid broader discussions about the role of innovation in cycling. Teams are increasingly relying on cutting-edge sports science to gain an edge, whether through advancements in nutrition, equipment, or training methods.

While the use of CO remains rare, its growing attention could prompt regulatory changes. If WADA or the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) deems it unsafe or unethical, bans or restrictions might follow.

Conclusion

As the cycling world wrestles with the implications of carbon monoxide use, the debate reflects the sport’s perpetual tension between innovation and integrity. Whether this practice becomes a game-changing tool or a banned relic of questionable experimentation will depend on how governing bodies and the cycling community respond in the coming months.