Oregon Bike Racing Body Requires USADA Exemptions for TRT Users Across 2,500 Members
Updated
Updated · The Source Weekly · Jul 22
Oregon Bike Racing Body Requires USADA Exemptions for TRT Users Across 2,500 Members
1 articles · Updated · The Source Weekly · Jul 22
Summary
OBRA adopted a rule requiring racers using testosterone replacement therapy or other WADA-banned drugs to obtain a USADA Therapeutic Use Exemption before competing.
Scott Seaton’s 2023 proposal drove the change amid anecdotal reports that TRT is common in masters cycling, with nearly 10 Central Oregon racers and one physician-racer telling the Source the practice is widespread.
USADA-style enforcement remains largely theoretical because OBRA cannot afford the roughly $9,000 cost of bringing a control team to a race, leaving the system dependent on self-reporting.
Chuck Kenlan, OBRA’s president, said he does not view TRT as a crisis at grassroots events and warned that full anti-doping enforcement could stigmatize amateurs and deter participation.
The dispute reflects a broader clash between anti-doping rules and TRT’s growing mainstream use among older men, including athletes seeking to offset age-related testosterone decline.