Austria to designate "transparent" cyclists

The "transparent" cyclist will become reality in Austria. One top rider from each Continental and Professional Continental team in the country will be selected for complete examinations.

"Before the season starts, we want to establish a steroid and blood profile, as well as a lot of their medical data, for these example athletes," said Rudolf Massak, head of the Austrian cycling federation. "And during the racing year we will conduct more and detailed tests, which will also help to establish the efficiency of various training plans."

According to the federation's press release, the move comes in response to the "doping scandals in international cycling and the suspension of the two U23 riders, Christian Ebner and Marco Oreggia," and should "re-establish the tarnished image" of pro cycling.

The tests "should prove to the public, the sponsors and especially to the young riders that 'riders can win races and be 100 percent clean.'" The project, which will include five or six riders as of the beginning of the year, is expected to cost about 50,000 Euros.