Updated Doping Controls at WMTRC

In light of the recent doping scandal I was curious what the plans were for the World Mountain Trail Running Championship in CanfrancPirineos at the end of this month. But conveniently, and clearly NOT coincidentally, just a couple a of days ago they posted an update:

The CanfrancPirineos 2025 World Championships will feature more prizes than ever before, up to €100,000 in cash. And also, more doping controls than ever. Because high up in the Aragonese Pyrenees — where the wind shapes the rock and the vertical spares no one inexperienced — a trail running model has been forged: one that not only seeks crowns and rewards, but above all to compete on equal terms, with utmost respect for the mountain and among all.

And the article closes with more practical details:

Supporting this pride and honor, there will be more anti‑doping controls than ever: Not only the usual World Cup urine protocols, but also blood tests, tests that require more logistics, that demand greater medical rigor, and that demonstrate the real commitment that nothing is left to chance.

Dedicated Medical and Anti‑Doping Center: A building specifically prepared to serve as a medical and anti‑doping center is already ready. There, every sample will be collected under appropriate conditions, the athlete will be protected, hygiene will be maintained, logistical safety, expiration protocols, preservation, analysis. It is a physical structure that speaks of respect: respect for the athlete, the spectator, the sport, the wind, the cold, the blood that pulses in every muscle.

This addresses directly, without being too direct, not just Joyline’s doping case but also takes a nod at Stian’s allegations that doping controls in the trail running sport aren’t handled professionally.

There clearly is a way to look at these cases from a human perspective with empathy and understanding, but from an organizational point of view there can be only one approach: Rigorous, fair, and transparent testing and controls.