In 2007, a scientist called Dr Franck Zal discovered haemoglobin from a lugworm that’s often used as fishing bait.
Remarkably, the haemoglobin transports 40 times more oxygen than human haemoglobin and Zal created a company that uses the compound for medical applications, such as organ transplants.
However, he has also alleged that his company was approached by a professional cyclist whose team races in the Tour de France. Products derived from the haemoglobin could improve an athlete’s endurance by increasing the rate of oxygen delivery around the body.
And it could be hard to detect because its half-life is short, meaning traces of it disappear after a few hours.
The World Anti-Doping Agency says it’s aware of the potential new doping agent, but no cases have yet been detected.
Let’s hope that if anyone is caught using lugworm haemoglobin they’re caught hook, line and sinker.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Katy Hartman, via email) 'What’s the weirdest doping method at the Tour de France?'
To submit your questions, email us at questions@sciencefocus.com, or message our Facebook, X, or Instagram pages (don't forget to include your name and location).
Check out our ultimate fun facts page for more mind-blowing science.
Read more:
