French actor Marc Fayet weighs in carbon monoxide controversy - but what does Bernard Sainz have to do with it?
Cycling
One of the most controversial topics of the 2024 cycling
season was riders’ use of carbon monoxide to boost their performance. Riders like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard confirmed they had used it, but is it legal?
Yes, for now, but is it moral? That’s what many cycling fans are less sure
about, and rightfully so given the sports troubled past with those bending and
outright breaking the laws.
In his column for Cyclism'Actu, actor and cycling enthusiast
Marc Fayet spoke of the ethical concerns surrounding the use of carbon monoxide
and other substances in cycling. He recounts a recent encounter in Paris with a
man he believed to be Bernard Sainz, also known as "Dr. Mabuse," a man
infamous for his involvement in doping scandals. This sighting led Fayet to
reflect on the persistent issues of doping and the moral ambiguities in the
sport.
Fayet notes that, especially in November, cyclists are in a
period of reflection and preparation for the upcoming season. He suggests that
during this time, some may be tempted to seek illegal methods to enhance
performances for the following season. He states, "Yet at a time when rumours
about carbon monoxide machines, ketones, and other microdoses are current, the
prescriptions of the dubious doctor, like the one I thought I recognized, seem
to be outdated."
Who was Bernard Sainz?
Though not a licensed medical professional, Sainz became known
as ‘Dr. Mabuse’ for providing cyclists with unregulated substances and
alternative remedies allegedly aimed at enhancing performance.
His methods often violated legal boundaries, and over the
years Sainz faced numerous investigations and legal troubles, including a 2018
conviction for doping-related offenses. Many cycling fans will shudder at the
mention of his name, as he reminds them of Michele Ferrari, the infamous
Italian doctor who led Lance Armstrong’s EPO campaign in the sport. Like Sainz, Ferrari
was investigated for his offences, and was found guilty of sporting fraud back
in 2004.
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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