Cyclists recruited to test banned performance-enhancing substance

Researchers at the University of Auckland Department of Sport and Exercise Science are looking for cyclists willing to take Synacthen, a possible performance enhancing substance.

They are recruiting healthy, non-smoking, trained male cyclists, 20-35 years of age, to participate in a study looking at the potential effect of Synacthen (ACTH mimetic hormone) administration on acute and subsequent cycling performance. Results will be considered by elite athletes and sport antidoping agencies to clearly state on the performance effect of the manipulation of corticotrophins pathways.

ACTH is produced in the pituitary glands and stimulates the adrenal grand to produce steroid hormones (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids).

Active racers need not apply–participants are reminded that they will not be able to compete during the protocol and for one month afterward because Synacthen is a forbidden substance.

The Australian Institute of Sport previously conducted a similar study to investigate the performance enhancing capabilities of EPO.