News

New Testing Method and Extended Strategy Planned / Education Onsite and in Advance / New Podcast with NADA Board Member Dr. Mortsiefer Released in German

Fairness, equal opportunity, and clean top-level performances: At DATEV Challenge Roth on July 6, 2025, anti-doping efforts by the German National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) will be further expanded in close cooperation with TEAMCHALLENGE. The comprehensive package includes more tests, the introduction of Dried Blood Spot (DBS) tests, and increased presence and education efforts by NADA.

In the latest episode of the official event podcast Rothcast, released today, NADA Board Member Dr. Lars Mortsiefer introduced the current anti-doping strategy for Roth 2025:
“Roth is an event that puts a strong spotlight on anti-doping awareness. It serves as a true lighthouse project. We’re grateful for organizers like those in Roth who are so deeply committed to the cause.”
More Testing for Age Groupers and Pros

As the official body responsible for doping controls in Germany, NADA will conduct tests on both professional and age group athletes at DATEV Challenge Roth. The inclusion of non-elite athletes in testing to this extent is rare and highlights Roth's leading role in clean sport. This is only made possible by strong cooperation and tailored agreements between NADA and TEAMCHALLENGE.

“Triathlon is setting an important example here,” Dr. Mortsiefer emphasized. Roth's clear commitment to fair play applies to everyone, regardless of level or placement.
New Technology for Faster Testing

A particular highlight in 2025: the introduction of the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) test, used in addition to traditional blood and urine samples. This new method is faster and easier to implement logistically.

“The test is carried out using a small device that pricks the upper arm to collect blood drops. It's a quick, efficient, and valuable addition to the classic testing methods,” said Dr. Mortsiefer during the podcast.
“Anyone Can Be Tested”

NADA will also increase the overall number of tests in Roth. For strategic reasons, the exact number remains confidential.
“We don’t want to reveal too much. What’s important is the message: anyone can be tested. The goal is to remain unpredictable.”
Education and Prevention in Focus

Besides testing, NADA is strongly committed to education and prevention. The new podcast episode offers practical advice on everyday doping risks—ranging from dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications to infusions. Common misunderstandings and challenges in anti-doping are also addressed.
The podcast is available for free on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music in German.

On-site, NADA will be present starting Thursday before race day with its own booth at the Triathlon Expo. Experts will be available to answer questions and provide information to athletes, coaches, and anyone interested in topics like rules, risks, and available resources.

In cooperation with NADA, the event website already offers all key anti-doping info under the motto Stay Clean—including helpful links to resources like the Cologne List, NADAmed, and international guidelines, in both German and English.

For media representatives, a NADA spokesperson will be available at the Expo booth from Thursday to Sunday, and at the press center on Saturday before the race.
Two Designated Testing Areas On-Site

As in previous years, the organizer will ensure NADA has the full infrastructure and optimal working conditions. This includes a private, protected area for blood and urine testing that safeguards the dignity and privacy of athletes.
For the new DBS method, a second dedicated area will be set up under the same privacy standards.

TEAMCHALLENGE will also provide 10 to 15 trained volunteers to support testing logistics. Furthermore, the organizer ensures that NADA has unrestricted access and visibility to key finish line areas at all times.
Longstanding Partnership for Clean Sport

The collaboration between TEAMCHALLENGE and NADA dates back to 2002. “This partnership exists without any federation mandate—it’s entirely voluntary. Our commitment to clean sport, integrity, and fairness is something we deeply believe in,” said Race Director Felix Walchshöfer.
“We were just in Bonn at NADA’s headquarters last November for a productive exchange. We’re truly grateful for the expanded initiatives leading up to and during the race.”

Every year, around 3,500 individual athletes and 700 relay teams race at DATEV Challenge Roth. Upon registration, all participants agree to follow anti-doping regulations as defined by the German Triathlon Union (DTU), NADA, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). By registering, they also confirm they have not committed any doping violations in the past and will continue to comply in the future.

For more information, visit the official websites of NADA’s prevention program and DATEV Challenge Roth.

The transcript of the German podcast for our international friends:

Guest: Dr. Lars Mortsiefer, Executive Board Member of the German National Anti Doping Agency (NADA)

Host: Dr. Mortsiefer, we’re very happy to have you here on our podcast. Thanks for joining us.

Dr. Mortsiefer: Hello from my side as well. I’m looking forward to it.

Host: Let’s jump right in. Since 2002, we’ve been partnering with the National Anti Doping Agency, and NADA has been responsible for conducting doping tests on race day here at Challenge Roth. Maybe you could start by briefly explaining what exactly the NADA is – many athletes and fans might not be fully aware.

Dr. Mortsiefer: Sure. NADA is Germany’s national competence center for anti-doping work. We stand for fairness and equal opportunity in sport. We pursue that mission in multiple ways – through prevention, education, and of course, through the implementation of doping controls.

Host: And what kind of organization is NADA? Is it a private company or an association?

Dr. Mortsiefer: NADA is a private law foundation. But we work closely with a wide range of stakeholders – including organized sports federations, athletes, sports policymakers, and public institutions who provide funding and support.

Host: That leads right into the next question – how is NADA funded?

Dr. Mortsiefer: NADA was founded in 2002 and originally had several sources of income. Over time, that structure evolved, and since 2020, we’ve received institutional funding from the federal government. That means the German government, represented by the Ministry of the Interior, provides around 90% of our total budget.

Host: And the remaining 10%?

Dr. Mortsiefer: That portion comes from sports federations, the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), and also from organizations like Deutsche Sporthilfe.

Host: Very interesting. Let's dive into the more practical side of things.

 

Topic: Responsibility and legal framework in anti-doping

Host: Unfortunately, we recently had a doping case in triathlon. For those who might not be familiar with the details – it involved an athlete who tested positive but claimed it was due to an exchange of bodily fluids that happened without her knowledge or consent. What interests me about this case is the question of responsibility. I studied law, and in criminal law, there’s a principle that an act is only punishable if it is committed intentionally – unless negligence is explicitly penalized by law.

If we now take this case at face value – that the athlete didn’t know and didn’t intend for anything to happen – can such an athlete still be held accountable?

Dr. Mortsiefer: First, it’s important to understand that the rules of sport are somewhat different from those of civil or criminal law. Sport operates under its own regulatory frameworks, nationally and internationally, including in the field of anti-doping. There are defined doping rule violations that are treated according to a specific system.

One of the key principles is what we call strict liability. That means: if there’s a positive result from a urine or blood sample, it’s presumed that the athlete is responsible for how the prohibited substance entered their body. The athlete must accept this responsibility and face potential sanctions.

However, it’s always essential to assess each individual case carefully. The rules allow for the initial presumption of fault to be rebutted – meaning it’s possible to prove that there was no intent or fault. But the anti-doping organization must still establish a clear and reliable violation of the anti-doping rules. So, while strict liability applies, context and evidence are still very important.

Host: Got it. More generally speaking – how exactly is "doping" defined in that framework? Also in terms of responsibility?

Dr. Mortsiefer: The term “doping” is broad, but the anti-doping code defines it quite specifically. There are two key components: First, the prohibited list, which includes banned substances and methods. This list is updated regularly and reflects scientific and medical developments.

Second, the code outlines various rule violations – for example, a positive sample from urine or blood, the use or possession of banned substances, missed whereabouts filings, or evading a doping test. All of these are considered anti-doping rule violations.

Host: How does NADA work with WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency?

Dr. Mortsiefer: WADA is the umbrella organization for anti-doping work worldwide. It coordinates all national anti-doping agencies like NADA, as well as international sports federations. WADA sets the rules and ensures compliance through regular monitoring. This ensures that anti-doping work is implemented consistently around the globe.

 

Topic: Triathlon as a high-risk sport and testing practice across disciplines

Host: Let’s talk more generally about anti-doping efforts in triathlon. Where does the sport stand in comparison to other disciplines?

Dr. Mortsiefer: I believe triathlon has taken on a pioneering role from early on. There has always been a strong awareness that the sport’s unique combination of high endurance, strength, and individuality could make it susceptible to manipulation or abuse.

Triathlon is officially classified as a high-risk sport, similar to athletics, certain ski disciplines, swimming, and cycling. This classification is based on various sport-specific, medical, and sociocultural risk factors. As a result, these sports are subject to more frequent testing, both in-competition and out-of-competition. There’s also greater focus on education and prevention in these areas.

Host: What does testing look like in practice – especially given that triathlon includes a wide range of participants, from professionals to age group athletes? How does that compare to, say, football or large marathon events?

Dr. Mortsiefer: It’s important to know that NADA is responsible for elite-level sport. That means we’re active wherever there’s serious competition for rankings, times, and titles. We conduct testing in both training and competition – not just at German championships, but also in the lead-up.

It gets more complicated in mass participation events like marathons or large triathlons, which attract recreational athletes. These events often blur the lines between amateur and elite competition. If an event is clearly recreational, NADA is not involved in testing – though we may contribute through education and awareness efforts.

In football, NADA focuses on the Bundesliga (first and second divisions), parts of the third league, and also on women’s, junior, and cup competitions. Again, always within the scope of elite sport.

Host: Why does testing generally only apply to professionals? Is it a financial issue or a matter of responsibility?

Dr. Mortsiefer: It’s really a matter of mandate. NADA was established to protect clean sport at the elite and professional level. That’s where our responsibility lies. In grassroots or recreational sports, we talk more about substance misuse rather than "doping" in the strict sense. The focus of anti-doping efforts is tied closely to the Olympic movement and its athletes.

 

Topic: Anti-doping at Challenge Roth and extended testing for age group athletes

Host: At Challenge Roth, we also conduct doping tests for age group athletes – even though, as you mentioned, testing is usually limited to professionals. Is it possible for events like ours to make individual arrangements with NADA to also test age group participants?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Absolutely. When you have an event that includes both age groupers and professionals, you're dealing with a special scenario. NADA is available to work directly with organizers in these cases to arrange for doping controls in the age group field as well.

Host: Let’s talk about marathons. Germany has some major spring and fall marathons. Are there comparable efforts in running as we see in triathlon?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Both running and triathlon are booming. That growth may have been fueled by the pandemic, when people got used to training alone, but the development continues. These sports are attracting more participants and spectators, which also increases our responsibilities.

That presents logistical and practical challenges, but we remain available as a partner for organizers who are committed to clean sport.

Host: Back to football for a moment – am I right in assuming that below the fourth division, players essentially don’t have to worry about testing?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Not quite. Technically, any athlete subject to the anti-doping code can be tested. That includes athletes who are bound by club rules, even at the local or district level. So yes, we can test there – but in practice, we focus our resources where they’re most effective, which is generally from the fourth division upward.

While we already conduct a large number of tests annually – around 12,000 to 14,000 – it’s simply not possible to test everyone who participates in organized sport in Germany.

 

Topic: Unintentional doping, supplements, medication, and preventive tools

Host: We’ve received a lot of questions from the community on this topic. We talked about a doping case in the pro field, but unintentional doping is a real concern in the age group field as well.

What should I be aware of? Is it possible to unknowingly dope? What are the most common pitfalls that recreational athletes run into?

Dr. Mortsiefer: This is exactly where prevention, education, and information come into play. That’s really the foundation of our work. One major area of concern is nutritional supplements – products that are meant to complement a healthy diet. These are widely available in supermarkets and drugstores, and heavily marketed. But many of these products are not scientifically tested or regulated in the same way as medications.

Even vitamin products that claim to prevent colds or boost immunity may be contaminated during production. It only takes a small trace of a banned substance to trigger a positive result. That’s why supplements can be a real risk for athletes – even those who don’t intend to cheat.

Host: So let’s say I’m standing in a drugstore, getting ready for my next triathlon, and I grab a random supplement off the shelf thinking “it’s Germany, it’ll be fine.” What’s the real risk?

Dr. Mortsiefer: While Germany does have relatively strong consumer protections, there’s no absolute guarantee. A nice-looking label means nothing in terms of doping safety. That’s why we always recommend consulting with a doctor if a supplement is truly needed. Ideally, use products from a pharmacy or prescription-only sources.

Host: Another trend we've noticed lately is infusion therapy – things like vitamin drips or so-called “recovery lounges.” What’s NADA’s position on that?

Dr. Mortsiefer: We want to be very clear here: Any infusion of more than 100 milliliters within 12 hours is considered a doping violation unless it’s medically necessary – for example, in a hospital setting. These wellness infusions that are becoming trendy are not allowed in or out of competition.

We understand that a long-distance triathlon takes a huge toll on the body. Medical support at the finish line is absolutely legitimate. But using an infusion to “speed up recovery” outside of a medical context is not permitted.

Host: So to give a concrete example – if I’m preparing for Roth and get a non-medically prescribed infusion in October, is that already considered doping for the race the following July?

Dr. Mortsiefer: It depends on whether you were already subject to the anti-doping code at that time. If you were already officially registered for a competition and bound by the rules, then yes – it could be considered a violation, depending on timing and context. Every case is reviewed individually. But it’s clearly a gray area and not advisable.

Host: Let’s circle back to supplements. How can age groupers protect themselves?

Dr. Mortsiefer: We don’t just want to warn athletes – we want to support them. There are several tools available. One is the Cologne List, a platform where batches of specific supplements are tested for contamination. It’s not 100% foolproof, but it’s a strong indicator. If a product has been tested and verified, that’s a much safer choice.

Host: So I can go to the Cologne List website, search for my supplement, and ideally even check the batch number?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Exactly. In some cases, the product will even say “tested by Cologne List” on the label. That doesn’t mean the product is always clean, but it’s much more reliable than picking something off the shelf blindly.

Host: What about common medications – cold remedies, asthma sprays? That’s another area where people might slip up, right?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Absolutely. Beyond supplements, we also warn against over-the-counter medications and even painkillers. Some seemingly harmless cold medicines may contain banned substances like pseudoephedrine or clenbuterol. That’s why we recommend using our NADA-MED database – it works like a search engine. Type in a product or substance, and you’ll see whether it’s allowed. Green means approved, red means prohibited.

 

Topic: Competition periods, painkillers, and grey areas

Host: So, just to clarify – these rules around medications, supplements, or infusions only apply during competition, right? If I have a cold in November and take something then, it’s not relevant for a race in July?

Dr. Mortsiefer: That depends on whether you're part of our registered testing pool and subject to out-of-competition testing. For athletes in our regular testing group, everything they take throughout the year should be checked.

But if you're only competing once a year, say at Challenge Roth, then the key period is the competition window – which includes the time directly before and during the event. There are substances that are only prohibited during competition, and others that are banned at all times.

Host: I find that fascinating – I didn’t know there are different lists for in-competition and out-of-competition. So, where exactly is the line drawn? Is it from the moment I line up at the start?

Dr. Mortsiefer: That depends on the rules of the event and the relevant international federation. For many events, the “competition period” is defined as the day of the race, sometimes even 24 hours before. In the Olympic context, it starts with entry into the Olympic Village. It’s clearly regulated.

Host: What about common painkillers? Ibuprofen, for example, is something we hear a lot about, especially among age groupers. What’s your take on that?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Ibuprofen is not banned, but we still advise caution. The problem is that some athletes use it proactively, without medical need, just to avoid pain. That’s not how painkillers should be used. They suppress the body’s natural warning signals and can lead to serious health risks, especially during endurance events like triathlons.

We commissioned studies – including in marathons and football – and found that many athletes take painkillers preventively. This not only undermines health but can actually decrease performance and safety. Some higher-dose painkillers are on the prohibited list, so misuse can also lead to a doping violation.

 

Topic: Sanctions, consequences, and legal implications

Host: Let’s say someone does get caught – what are the consequences? And can you differentiate between pros and age groupers?

Dr. Mortsiefer: The sanctions under the anti-doping rules are the same for everyone bound by the code – whether professional or age group athlete. Of course, each case is evaluated individually. A professional athlete who has been part of the testing system for years and has received regular education from NADA will be held to a different standard than someone who encounters anti-doping rules for the first time.

Still, the possible sanctions range from short suspensions to four-year bans, even for a first offense. Results can be disqualified, including medals, rankings, times, and awards. And in professional sport, these sanctions are usually published publicly.

Host: And from a legal perspective – are doping violations also criminal offenses?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Yes, depending on the case. If an athlete uses prohibited substances in a context where sport is their profession or they’re earning substantial income from it, criminal proceedings can be initiated. The public prosecutor can get involved, and that can lead to formal investigations.

Host: What would you say to an age grouper who is tempted to push their performance with illegal substances?

Dr. Mortsiefer: I would say: Don’t do it. And then I would ask: why are you even thinking about it? Is it your personal ambition? Are you under pressure? Didn’t train enough? How are you feeling?

Ultimately, doping is not only dangerous for your health – it’s also a form of cheating. You’re betraying everyone around you: the people who support you, cheer for you, and believe in your integrity. So my advice would be very clear – stay away from it.

Host: I really appreciate that you also emphasized the long-term health effects. I think that part is still underestimated in the general discussion.

 

Topic: Anti-doping operations at Challenge Roth 2025

Host: Let’s talk about the upcoming event in July. As mentioned earlier, we work closely with NADA each year, and we as organizers are responsible for creating the right logistical conditions so the anti-doping team can do their job effectively. We spoke with our logistics lead, Markus, who explained what exactly we do to support NADA. Let’s hear from him:

Markus (logistics coordinator): We support NADA in two main ways. First, we provide 10 to 15 volunteers who assist with the doping controls. They help guide athletes to the test area and provide support during the process. Second, we set up the testing area itself. It needs to be quiet, private, and secure, so the athletes’ privacy and dignity are respected.

That includes tents, seating, and portable restrooms where samples can be collected. We prepare all of that in advance to make sure everything runs smoothly on race day.

Host: Thanks, Markus. And we also begin our prevention efforts as early as registration. All participants must acknowledge the anti-doping rules and agree to follow both national and international codes.

That being said, there’s always a chance that someone registers who’s already been sanctioned elsewhere. Say, for example, an athlete from Brazil who was suspended by their tennis federation for steroid use now wants to race triathlon in Germany. Is there any way for us to find out?

Dr. Mortsiefer: This year, we’re planning an even more intensive presence at Roth than in previous years. In addition to on-site education and doping controls, we’ll work behind the scenes to cross-check the list of registered athletes. If an athlete has an active suspension from another sport or country – especially in the professional field – that information may be available to us, either proactively or upon request.

We at NADA Germany are happy to support this process. But our capacity is focused on the top level. We can’t always screen every single age group athlete from around the world. If we do have relevant information, we’ll definitely share it.

Host: We’ve already submitted the list of pro athletes to NADA for cross-checking.

Dr. Mortsiefer: That’s a great step. In general, what’s important is the event’s attitude toward clean sport. The commitment to fairness should be as strong as the commitment to a successful race. Roth is a great example – the tone is set by the organizers and carried through by everyone involved. That’s something we hope to see more of in other events as well.

Host: Where do we stand compared to other events? Not just in triathlon, but in general?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Triathlon in general, and Roth in particular, has been very proactive. We’ve rolled out anti-doping measures with organizers across Germany, but Roth stands out for its consistency and dedication. That being said, anti-doping is a continuous process. It’s not a one-off effort – it needs to be maintained over time, and Roth does that very well.

 

Topic: New test methods, logistics, and funding

Host: When we visited you in Bonn in November 2024, we talked about ways to further improve things this year. Could you give us a quick overview of what’s new from NADA in Roth this year?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Definitely. One of the key improvements this year is that we’ll be arriving earlier, even before race day. We’ll have our NADA info booth at the expo, which allows us to answer questions and offer guidance in a more relaxed setting – before the hectic energy of race day sets in.

At the same time, we’ll be increasing the number of doping controls overall. And for the first time, we’ll be using a new method: the Dried Blood Spot Test. It allows us to test athletes more quickly and efficiently, while still maintaining reliability.

Of course, that also requires proper logistics and documentation, but it’s a very valuable addition to the traditional urine and full-blood tests.

Host: I can imagine people in the triathlon community asking: “Why not do even more testing?” Because that’s the only way to really ensure fairness.

Dr. Mortsiefer: That’s a valid question. More testing is always possible in theory. But we also have to ask what’s realistic and proportional – both in terms of logistics and cost. I think we’ve found a good balance in Roth this year.

I appreciate when people call for more testing – that shows awareness. But every test requires resources. As I mentioned, we already conduct 12,000 to 14,000 tests per year in Germany, which puts us at the top internationally. But of course, we also face limits.

That’s why we also welcome private partners and sponsors who want to contribute to clean sport. Public funding alone can’t cover everything.

Host: Speaking of numbers – how many tests will be done in Roth next year?

Dr. Mortsiefer: We prefer not to share exact numbers for strategic reasons. But what I can say is that there will be more tests than last year, and that new methods will be used. We’re working hard on logistics to make that possible.

Host: So just to confirm – testing will apply to both pros and age groupers, correct?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Yes. Roth is what we call a crossover event – a mix of elite and amateur competition. So in principle, anyone who participates could be tested.

Host: Are there specific criteria for selecting who gets tested, especially among age groupers? For example, is everyone on the podium automatically tested?

Dr. Mortsiefer: We look at the top finishers, of course. But we also pay attention to what’s happening further back in the field. If we see something unusual or noteworthy, that can lead to a test. We follow a flexible but strategic approach.

Host: And with this new method – the Dried Blood Spot Test – how much additional capacity can you gain? How much faster is it compared to regular testing?

Dr. Mortsiefer: It’s noticeably faster and less invasive. It involves a small device that pricks the upper arm to collect a few drops of blood. It doesn’t cover every banned substance like a full blood sample, but it’s an excellent complementary tool.

It’s also easier to handle logistically than traditional urine testing.

Host: You also mentioned that it’s more affordable. How much cheaper is it compared to traditional testing?

Dr. Mortsiefer: It can be significantly cheaper overall – though if we run more tests, the total cost still increases. A traditional blood test can cost anywhere from 400 to 1,000 euros. A Dried Blood Spot Test is a fraction of that.

But of course, behind every test is a full logistics and documentation process. So it’s not just about taking the sample – it’s about ensuring everything is done properly and transparently.

Topic: Testing limits, Roth as a benchmark, and the future of clean sport

Host: Let’s say money was no object – could you theoretically test every single athlete at an event like Roth using Dried Blood Spot Tests?

Dr. Mortsiefer: In theory, yes. But Roth has more than 3,000 individual athletes at the start – and you'd need just as many testers, support staff, administrators, and logistics infrastructure. That would go far beyond the scope of a sporting event and become unrealistic.

What matters more than total coverage is unpredictability. Athletes need to know that anyone could be tested at any time – and that the testing is thorough and professional. That’s what creates the greatest deterrent effect.

Host: So, let’s ask the obvious question: Will Roth be the most thoroughly tested triathlon out there?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Roth is certainly a race that places a very strong emphasis on anti-doping. It’s a beacon in this field – and not just because of what happens on race day.

You came to visit us in Bonn last year – and not many organizers take that kind of initiative. That kind of commitment makes a big difference. We at NADA are grateful to be able to support Roth in this way. I believe we’ll have a very successful event from an anti-doping standpoint.

Host: Are there other events in Germany or internationally that could serve as a benchmark or comparison?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Yes, we work closely with many large events in Germany. For example, we’ll be rolling out a comprehensive testing program at the FISU World University Games this summer, across multiple locations. We’re also active at major marathons and large triathlon events like Hamburg. So there’s definitely a network of dedicated organizers.

But Roth is special – and we hope more events will follow this example.

Host: Looking to the future – what would you wish for in order to keep sport clean, or make it even cleaner?

Dr. Mortsiefer: I would wish for even more awareness and sensitivity. Clean sport should be just as natural as striving for faster times or greater distances. If that becomes the standard mindset, I’d be very satisfied.

Host: That was a lot of great insight. Before we wrap up, do you have any personal anecdotes – maybe a surprising or amusing doping story?

Dr. Mortsiefer: There are plenty. One time, we had a doping control officer chasing an athlete who literally ran away from the test. He had to follow him through the streets, shouting his rights after him. That was... memorable.

Another time, during a school outreach program, I noticed a 15- or 16-year-old girl getting increasingly upset. During the Q&A, she raised her hand and said, “I haven’t been tested yet. I want to be tested – that’s the only way I’ll feel like I belong.”

That really stayed with me. It showed how strong the awareness of fair play can be – even among young athletes.

Host: That’s a powerful moment. And for any athlete – pro or age grouper – who isn’t sure about something, it’s always a good idea to reach out to NADA before taking a risk, right?

Dr. Mortsiefer: Absolutely. If you ever feel unsure or uncomfortable – that’s already a sign. If you’re getting treatment from a doctor who isn’t familiar with anti-doping rules, double-check before taking anything. Use our website or app. Or just call or email us. We’re happy to help – and often, one quick question can prevent a major problem.

Host: That’s a great final message. For anyone who found this podcast a bit overwhelming, we’ve compiled all key info under the section “Stay Clean” on our website – including tips, risk factors, and contact info, available in German and English.

Dr. Mortsiefer: Thank you – and I hope to stop by Roth myself. It’s not just a race, it’s a whole region that comes alive for this event.

Host: You’re always welcome. And if not at the race, then definitely at the NADA info booth. Thanks again for your time.