Nope, no one is just randomly offering you a contract to race bikes professionally.  Some researchers in the Netherlands are doing a project to try to confirm what the effects of EPO are on cyclists.  So they came up with this brilliant idea of paying some well trained riders to take EPO and then ride up Mount Ventoux.  You can make close to a grand for this.  I’m too old for the study.

I’m not sure these guys are brain surgeons.  They are saying that there hasn’t been any literature proving EPO is performance enhancing in cyclists.  Their quote –

“Comprehensive literature search showed that there has been no adequate research into the effects of EPO for cyclists,” said a statement on the research group’s website.

“Our conclusion is therefore that it is not proven that EPO has a performance-enhancing effect in professional cyclists. This study should provide clarity in the matter.”

So, if you want to maybe feel the difference a little EPO might make, you should consider applying.  Just click the link above, but you’re going to have to read Dutch.  I used the word maybe because you could end up in the placebo group and then you have to struggle up the climb normally aspirated, which probably would be tough.

I’m pretty sure what they are going to “discover”.  I’m thinking these guys just what to go to France and ride the famous climb and have figured out a way to get someone else to pay for it.

SInce it is an official study, you probably won’t have time to stop at the shrine to Tommy Simpson.