HÀ NỘI — A doping test will be conducted for the first time at the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament, which will begin today.

“The world of sports is facing a serious problem of doping, and cycling is no exception. Several athletes have been accused of using illegal drugs to boost their performance. Việt Nam’s cycling is on its way to become a professional sport and wants to integrate with the world. We have asked the National Sports Administration to support us in carrying out the doping test,” said Lê Văn Phú, head of the organising board.

Doctors will randomly take samples from participants throughout the tournament. In case of positive results, violators will be strictly fined based on the rules of the International Cycling Union.

The test is one of the efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in the competition.

Doubts of Vietnamese cyclists using illegal drugs had been expressed earlier, but no investigation was initiated due to the expensive cost involved.

The HCM City Television Cycling Tournament is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country. This year’s event is set to make a record for the longest tour, with 30 stages covering 3,267km.  The first stage is a time trial event in Lạng Sơn Province. — VNS