Synthetic testosterone derivatives that enhance muscle growth, strength, and recovery but are banned in competitive cycling.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic variations of testosterone that promote muscle protein synthesis and recovery. While less central to cycling than endurance-focused drugs like EPO, steroids have been used for strength gains and recovery enhancement.
• Enhanced protein synthesis in muscle tissue • Increased nitrogen retention • Accelerated muscle repair and growth • Reduced recovery time between training sessions
• Increased aggression and competitiveness • Enhanced mental focus during training • Mood alterations
• During winter strength training blocks • To accelerate recovery from injuries • In sprint-focused disciplines (track cycling, BMX) • To maintain muscle mass during stage races • Combined with EPO in polypharmacy approaches
• Base anabolic hormone • Improved strength-to-weight ratio • Enhanced recovery capacity
• Promotes collagen synthesis • Used for injury recovery • Featured in several high-profile cases
• Lean muscle gains without water retention • Improves power output
• Technically a beta-2 agonist, not a steroid • Fat loss and muscle preservation • Several Tour de France contamination cases
• Cardiovascular disease and heart damage • Liver toxicity and tumors • Hormonal imbalances and infertility • Tendon damage from strength imbalances
• Mood swings and aggression • Depression during withdrawal • Dependency and addiction
• Urine testing via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry • Carbon isotope ratio testing (distinguishes synthetic from natural testosterone) • Biological Passport hormonal module • Testing for steroid metabolites
Alberto Contador (2010): • Positive for clenbuterol • Claimed contaminated meat • Two-year ban, stripped of 2010 Tour title
Floyd Landis (2006): • Synthetic testosterone detected • Stripped of Tour de France victory • Later admitted to comprehensive doping program
• Optimized protein intake (1.6-2.2g/kg bodyweight) • Strategic strength training during off-season • Adequate sleep (8-10 hours for recovery) • Legal supplements: creatine, beta-alanine, caffeine
While EPO dominated cycling's doping narrative, steroids played a supporting role in comprehensive doping programs. Understanding their effects helps explain why modern anti-doping programs test for dozens of substances, not just endurance-enhancing drugs.
The biggest myth is that steroids are primarily for bodybuilders and don't benefit endurance athletes. In reality, enhanced recovery and strength gains translate to improved cycling performance, particularly in sprint finishes, climbing, and injury recovery. However, the health risks and detection methods make them ineffective and dangerous in modern competition.