"The riders were instructed on the methods of introducing the doping into the body without it being detected in doping controls" - W52-FC Porto riders and management face Portuguese court

The former W52 - FC Porto team has had the most shocking doping accusations of the 2022 season and the riders and management now face court accusations.

Ten riders including notable former Volta a Portugal winners such as João Rodrigues, Joni Brandão and Rui Vinhas, aswell as José Neves, have been accused of administration of prohibited substances. Blood transfusions, growth hormones and testosterone were all mentioned in the documents shared in Portuguese media today.

"The riders were instructed on the methods of introducing the doping into the body without it being detected in doping controls," the accusation said. "In addition, they received instructions for administering the doping."

Additionally it was said that the riders that took part in the process had consent from team managers and that they "always voluntarily and consciously carried out the facts, with the sole purpose of obtaining a financial and sporting advantage for themselves or for the team through the use of prohibited substances or blood transfusions."

The existence of an elaborate doping program is reminiscent of previous decades in pro cycling. However the team has suffered it's consequences, with all riders left without a contract for 2023 and the team being stripped of it's UCI license last summer. Amaro Antunes, former World Tour rider, was one of the few who was not accused and is absent from the case.

The team has since developed a mixed under-23/Elite squad and will be racing in the Portuguese peloton over this season.