The young and talented American, Taylor Phinney, chose the team presentation of BMC Racing Team earlier this month to talk about his choice not to use pills.

In cycling, all focus has recently been on Lance Armstrongs admitting to having used performance-enhancing drugs, WADA’s report and Tyler Hamilton’s book of bomb shells. For this reason, Taylor Phinney has attempted to reveal his own approach to the matter. One which contrasts sharply with the big controversy from the media headlines.

At BMC Racing Team’s presentation he revealed that, unlike most of his colleagues, he refrains from taking caffeine pills and pain killers.

”It is important for me to explain my preparations for the races, as they are quite different from what Tyler Hamilton’s book and WADA’s report would lead you to believe. It sheds some light on what is currently a very bleak issue. Throughout my career, I have relied solely on my physique and my training methods,” says Taylor Phinney to CyclingQuotes.com.

Pills are not banned

Pain killers and caffeine pills are not banned in cycling and many riders use them both during training and races. Phinney stands in opposition to this attitude and believes it is necessary to change this attitude which has prevailed for many years. He takes pride in achieving results without the help of medicine, and he believes this approach is becoming more widespread – also in the BMC Racing Team.

”We have a strict policy in the team. I am therefore convinced that most of my team members share this view, and this makes me extra proud of our achievements.”

A powerful mix

In an interview with velonation.com, Phinney has explained how some riders use a powerful blend of crushed pain killers and caffeine pills mixed with water in their canteens.

”It is a common practice to use a mix of water, caffeine and pain killers. This can make you quite crazy, which is why I have never used it. I don’t want to, and it seems quite dangerous.” The young American went on to say that his ambion is to make it the sport cleaner.

”With everything that has happened in the past, I believe we should move away from anything that prevents us from becoming the cleanest sport in the world. We have the opportunity to do that now.”