Trust Issues: Doping, the Media, and the Athlete’s Dilemma

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Jul 24, 2025

The podcast navigates the turbulent waters of doping in sports, focusing on a high-profile athlete's diuretic case and the media's role in keeping the sport honest. It raises tough questions about the fairness of doping inquiries and delves into athletes' struggles with integrity amidst scrutiny. Discussion also shifts to the evolving dynamics of elite cycling rivalries and the potential of modifying sports equipment to better serve female athletes. Insights from a study on running injuries challenge established training norms and urge a reevaluation of training practices.

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INSIGHT

Evenepoel's Troubling Tour Form

Remco Evenepoel's Tour de France performance suggests possible chronic under-fuelling or systemic health issues.
Multiple bad racing days and unusual mountain stage drops indicate something beyond just bad form.

INSIGHT

Vingegaard vs Pogačar Evolving Rivalry

Jonas Vingegaard has improved his explosive power but still struggles against Tadej Pogačar on long climbs.
The rivalry evolved from complementary strengths to Pogačar excelling in both areas.

INSIGHT

Motorbike Drafting's Big Impact

Motorbikes in cycling races reduce aerodynamic drag for cyclists drafting behind.
At 50 meters, drafting a motorbike can reduce drag by 7%, increasing speed by about 2.5%.

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This week's Spotlight kicks off on the roads of France with a fast-paced Discourse Digest. Remco Evenepoel’s withdrawal sparks a discussion about whether he's fully healthy, or if affected preparation and fuelling challenges might account for his underperformance. Jonas Vingegaard seems to have narrowed one gap to Tadej Pogačar, only to find another expanding on the high-altitude climbs. Ross explains how their previously complementary strengths and weaknesses have evolved into a straight race with, so far, one winner. We also tackle Quinn Simmons’ controversial claims about motorbikes aiding Tim Wellens' stage win—ungracious perhaps, but correct and backed by aerodynamic science.

In Center Stage (29:20), we dive into doping, the media, and trust in sport. Ruth Chepngetich’s diuretic case prompts a wider debate: what are media entitled to ask, and what responsibility do they bear in keeping sport honest? Is asking about doping unfair, or essential? A lively debate on Discourse spills over into the Spotlight!

In Ross Replies (55:56) we take on Discourse member Larkim’s question: should sports equipment be modified for women? From volleyball to athletics, we explore where it already happens, and why more sports might benefit from doing the same. But what do women think, and how should sport consider the sometimes conflicting opinions on this issue?

And Finally (1:07:20) a study of over 5,000 runners reveals that injury risk spikes after a single big jump in distance—not a gradual increase—reshaping how we think about training load.

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