With an anonymous tip provided to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and subsequent USADA testing, amateur bike racer Roger Whitham from Texas has been suspended for 3 years after testing positive for multiple banned drugs.

In his rookie season as a bike racer in the Lone Star state, Whitham, 37, was ordered to submit a biological sample at an out-of-competition drug test performed on 24 May 2023, where he tested positive for Boldenone, GW 1516, Ibutamoren, and Ostarine according to USADA.

Boldenone was developed for veterinary use and is not approved for humans. It can stimulate protein synthesis and the release of natural Erythropoietin (EPO), helping to build significant muscle mass and strength – primarily in horses.

GW1516 is known by many names, including various combinations of the initials and numbers (e.g., GW501516). It modifies how the body metabolizes fat and was originally created to treat obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Athletes use the drug to lose weight and improve endurance. However, it is not approved for human consumption and was found to cause cancer in clinical medical trials.

Ibutamoren (MK-677) has been shown to increase lean-body mass in clinical trials, but is not approved for long-term human use. It shows potential as a treatment for frail children or elderly adults with growth hormone deficiency.

Ostarine is an anabolic agent also not approved for human use. It is believed to help quickly build muscle mass while improving testosterone levels. In the future, medical researchers may consider it as a potential treatment for a variety of muscle wasting diseases (i.e. osteoporosis, cancer, and hypogonadism).

Whitham’s stint as a bike racer only started one year ago, but he quickly achieved success by winning the Texas State Criterium Championships. Recent online results list him participating in numerous mid-week races, with his best finish 3rd in the Tuesday Night Criteriums at Breckinridge Park on 23 May – the day before his anti-doping test.

Photo: USADA

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