Originally Posted by
himespau
Just because you can separate amateurs out into groups, identify why they fit into those groups, and say why it doesn't make sense for anyone in each of the groups to dope for group-specific reasons, doesn't mean that they'd all agree with the group you've put them in or your reasons for why people in that group shouldn't dope. Hell, some people don't see that there's anything wrong with doping (as long as they are smart enough to get caught - they only look down on those who they feel must obviously be dumb since they got caught), and don't feel that they need a good reason. Some people like putting substances (of all sorts, even if they cause long term consequences) in their bodies because it makes them feel good. Some people like riding their bikes fast because it makes them feel good. Some people like putting substances in their bodies because it allows them to go faster and going faster makes them feel good.
Exactly this. Go over to the nearest weightlifting gym and you will find a guy (or several) that is taking steroids just to get big. There isn't some competition and there certainly isn't a payday, they just want to look bigger and have some bragging rights, no matter what it does to their bodies. Shallow and stupid people are out there. Millions of them.
Originally Posted by
bbbean
There may be a few misguided newbies who engage in some minor doping, but it's simply not worth the expense and hassle for the occasional payday, and if you have the talent to excel at regional and national events, you will very soon find yourself in races where anti- doping controls are in place.
So yes, amateur racing is legit. The guys at the top are there because they're fast.
See above. It's not always about the money. Not even close. Do you seriously doubt there are guys that would dope just so that their Instagram profile picture can be a shot of them crossing the line first with their hands in the air?