‘I wasn’t thinking about cycling – I was a daughter who had just lost her mum' – Valentina Cavallar subjected to a drugs test hours after the death of her mother, in the room next to where she lay
The 25-year-old SD Worx–Protime rider reveals how the experience left her reeling, and explains why she hasn’t raced since
Valentina Cavallar, a 25-year-old Austrian cyclist, has revealed that the recent death of her mother was the catalyst for her decision to take a break from competitive cycling. The incident has reignited discussions about the application of testing protocols for athletes and the need to balance anti-doping efforts with human compassion.
Cavallar expressed her grief on social media, stating that she had always valued her family but only truly grasped their importance after losing her mother. The Austrian athlete was tested for drugs hours after her mother's passing, in the same room where her mother lay, just hours after she had pulled out of the Tour de France Femmes due to personal and family reasons.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) requires riders to disclose their movements and locations between 6am and 11pm, with the International Testing Agency (ITA) allowed to conduct tests at any time in exceptional circumstances. However, Cavallar argued that the timing of the drug test was deeply disrespectful, as she was not thinking about cycling or professional responsibilities at the time.
She emphasized the importance of clean sport while urging authorities to show discretion and compassion in such circumstances.
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