In the third and final part of my interview with Jeff
Spencer, trainer to Chad Reed and Nathan Ramsey, Jeff talks about the
questions of performance-enhancing drug use in our sport. (Check out
parts 1 and 2.)
Racer X: Let’s shift gears a little and talk about
performance-enhancing drugs in MX. Everyone seems to be familiar with
doping in sport; do you think there are MX guys that are using
performance-enhancing drugs?
Rumor has it there is, but I have no proof of it.
Do you think there should be mandatory drug testing in professional MX?
For sure. There should be aggressive, mandatory, and random
performance-enhancing drug testing with very stiff, immediate
consequences, like a two-year ban on the first offense and for life on
the second, as seen in cycling. The bottom line is, drugs are not good
for anybody. They are not good for the athlete, the athlete’s family,
or the sport. There are no winners with drugs, and that‘s why I am for
very strict random drug testing with strict, harsh, and immediate
penalty.
Do you think this will ever happen in MX?
I hope so. The testing needs to be for performance-enhancing drugs,
which isn’t done now. They only test for recreational drugs. Hey, hold
on a second, Chad is on the other line and I need to talk to him a
second….
So there you have a good example of how Chad and I
communicate each day: a two-minute conversation regarding what we are
doing today. So anyway, where were we? Let me be very clear about drug
use: I love the sport and it makes me very, very sad to think that drug
use has maybe made its way into the sport. It distresses me to no end.
I love the sport and feel the best way to maintain healthy competition
is to confront the drug issue as aggressively and quickly as possible
and administer swift and severe penalties for offenders. The longer it
takes to put an aggressive testing and significant penalty program
together, the greater the chance of corrupting the sport.
I am surprised there isn’t more of a push from the top athletes to call for random drug testing.
I think if you asked any top rider, they would say the same thing,
but testing needs to first be for performance-enhancing and not
recreational drugs.
A very dangerous consequence of not having performance-enhancing
drug testing in MX is that some amateurs will undoubtedly conclude that
the pros must be doing something extra, besides training, to be able to
ride for the length of time that they do and incorrectly assume that
drugs must play a role.
If someone thinks drugs are the key to factory fitness, they’re fooling
themselves. Genetics, hard work, a great plan, good nutrition, and a
healthy mindset are the foundation for success. There is also the issue
of respect. If you respect yourself, others, and the sport, why would
you want to corrupt it by taking drugs? I don’t know how any athlete
who takes drugs and wins could stand on the podium with the slightest
amount of self-respect and not feel like the world’s biggest imposter.
Self-worth and personal empowerment come from taking the high road,
drawing a line in the sand, and never stepping across it. Drug use
dramatically accelerates the aging process, body deterioration, and
increases the risk of mental and physical illness. Again, there are no
winners with drug use, only a trail of hypocrisy, dishonesty, and
destruction left in its wake.
I certainly understand that. Before I let you go, let’s round this
out with one last question: What is your number-one piece of advice for
the weekend warrior when it comes to training?
Doing a little training every day is more important than doing a lot
every other day. Keep it balanced and fun. Remain a student of the
sport and always seek excellence.
Thanks, Jeff, I really appreciate your time.
Thank you, Tim. I love supercross and motocross. Thanks for the chance to share my views on training with you.
Racer X - Motocross & Supercross News
