We've read enough books, seen enough interviews, and watched the entire Tour de France peloton slog themselves up enough mountain passes to understand that cycling can be tough. Really tough.
While that realisation may be accurate, it absolutely does not mean that we think doping of any kind is excusable; cheating of any kind in any competition is deplorable, but objectively, it must make these pro's lives easier.
We reckon, given the photos that you guys sent in this weekend, that one or two of you could have done with a helping hand of the chemical or mechanical variety this weekend.
Take Alistair Seaton, who sent us the photo below on Twitter over the weekend, for example. How much help would a sneaky little propeller attached to your chain stay have been, Alistair?
Alternatively, is there such thing as aero-doping yet? Sure, cycling's not quite up to Formula 1 levels of aerodynamic advantage grabbing yet, but we reckon our man Jez Ash could have done with some sort of streamlining over in the Netherlands this weekend.
Lee Phillips, a Timsbury Cycle Group participant this weekend, could have done with a helping hand, we imagine, as he looked to keep up with the rest of the road bike-riding bunch aboard his 29'er. How sore were you this morning Lee?
There were plenty more of you battling elements over the weekend. Through mud, rain, snow, and cold, and whether you wish you'd had a helping hand at the time or if you were welcoming of the pain you were enduring, you took some great photos.
Some of you gave yourself a little boost in the form of some perfectly legal grub.There are no rules against carb loading, and boy does it give you a boost!
One or two of you may well have let the conditions get to your heads. Step forward Matthew Whittington. We thoroughly enjoyed your Box Hill photoshoot.
There were plenty more stunning photos that we received of you lot riding in some really picturesque places. Here are just a few:
Remember, it's not too late to get involved in this #mycyclingweekend. Just send your photos in to us via the social media outlet of your choice by including the #mycyclingweekend hashtag in the caption.
Happy riding folks!
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Bigly!
I seem to recall saint Chris being more on recent BBC road cycling coverage rather than less.
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