Author:

Keywords:

Doping, Cycling interest, Doping knowledge, Cycling activity, Public opinion

Abstract:

Despite the vast amount of literature available on doping in sports, little is known about how the general public actually thinks about doping. It is even more unclear how public opinion on doping differs within the population. Our questionnaire-based study for Flanders (Belgium), with a focus on doping in cycling, shows a strong disapproval of doping use by all respondents. There are statistically signifi-cant differences, though, between the population groups. Cycling fans tend to be less negative towards doping in cycling than non-cycling fans. Cycling fans also express a clear feeling of their sport being treated unfair compared to other sports.