March 23, 2010 – Norway has stepped up their anti-doping stance recently testing skiers at the famous 54km classic Norwegian Birkie, on Saturday. Readers may remember that in February, when Finnish cross-country ski star, Mika Myllylä, admitted that he had taken EPO during his career, the Norwegian Anti-doping Agency renewed its push to create blood profiles – click here.

According to langren.com, the Norwegian Anti-Doping Agency was on site at the Birkebeinerrenner – one of the oldest and most challenging races on the Worldloppet circuit – and with pre-warning selected nine skiers from different age groups.

Peter Riiser, the Assistant General Manager of the agency, said they were operating on rumors and this is why they were doing the testing at this level of competition. Many of those who were tested wondered why or how they were chosen, but according to the report this procedure was not revealed, nor will be.

I have been wondering for some time when testing would occur at this level of competition. When you see the levels of steroid used throughout the world of body building you have to believe that it’s only a matter time before the use of drugs like EPO will filter its way to serious or competitive loppet skiers.

For the full story click here.