De Luigi Ciamburro / Corsedimoto.com
Interview with Dr. Iader Fabbri, former nutritionist to Jorge Lorenzo and other pilots. Andrea Iannone's defense will be based on the detected quantity of Drostanolone.
Andrea Iannone had to appoint not only a lawyer, but also a scientific advisor, Alberto Salomone, to defend himself against the accusation of doping. While waiting for the response from the counter-analysis scheduled for January 7, we tried to understand more. We consulted Iader Fabbri, Biologist, Nutritionist, Dietician, graduate in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, specialized in Human Nutrition Sciences. His name is certainly familiar to MotoGP fans. Indeed, Dr Fabbri worked for many years alongside Jorge Lorenzo, then with Michele Pirro, Enea Bastianini, Fabio Di Giannantonio, the Gresini team and many others.
To try to understand the situationAndrea Iannone, it is not enough to designate Drostanolone as an incriminated substance. It all depends on the quantities detected. At this stage you can also trace the day of contamination, since the substance has a known half-life (2/3 days). But one thing seems certain: the food contamination theory may be plausible. And the defense of the Aprilia pilot could focus on this point.
INTERVIEW WITH DR. IADER FABBRI
What can you tell us about Drostanolone?
“Drostanolone is a somewhat dated anabolic, a drug used by very different sporting categories, mainly bodybuilders. »
Is it possible to assume food contamination?
“Contamination of food in these countries (editor’s note: Thailand, Japan, Malaysia) is possible. It is certain that the effects of anabolic steroids serve to increase an athlete's strength. Years ago, they were used by bodybuilders, and cases of doping were found on athletes needing strength. The motorcyclist is an athlete who has an activity with mixed components. In reality, it has a strength characteristic, especially when braking, but it also has such a high heart rate that it is essentially aerobic. There are moments of anaerobic nature, where strength is present, and moments of aerobic nature where resistance is present, which is different. »
Is it more likely that the cause is a dietary supplement?
“Today, contaminations are not so rare. In Italy we are well protected in terms of supplements and meat. Abroad, the legislation is different, so you can buy supplements abroad, in America or other countries, which may contain traces of doping substances. The Australian Federation in particular, but also other federations, decide a priori which supplements can be used after being analyzed. It is not very safe to use uncertified supplements when you are an elite athlete like Andrea Iannone. Meat is a possible contaminant, but that then depends on whether other tests have been done on other athletes under the same conditions. »
Before taking a supplement, what precautions should you take?
“When working with a great athlete like Andrea Iannone, the concern of any nutritionist or doctor is to rely on supplements that undergo batch analysis. Many companies, especially Italian ones, do a sample analysis of all production batches. And they keep the sample of the analysis carried out, doing it mainly on the main doping substances. »
THE PILOTS’ DIET
Are you in favor of a vegan diet for pilots?
“Lewis Hamilton and other athletes are believed to use this diet, according to the Netflix movie “The Game Changers.” I too am making a film about this on my social networks, to explain the strengths and weaknesses of this documentary… I see no problem with being vegetarian for an athlete. I find veganism to be a more restrictive but achievable measure. In this case, it is necessary to use certain supplements. I've never followed a vegan athlete, but anything is doable, if done right. »
What should not be missing from a pilot's diet?
“A pilot's diet should not be lacking in the three main macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins and fats. There is not one that must prevail. The important thing is that an athlete keeps their blood sugar levels stable through food. This is what is done when using high glycemic index carbohydrates. Pasta, potatoes, pizza or desserts can be used, but it is important to combine a protein source. If the driver, before a training session or a race where he must be very mentally lucid, were to miss the pre-Grand Prix meal, unbalancing the meal in favor of carbohydrates, we would find an athlete with a reduction in his capacity attention. He would therefore have a deterioration in his cognitive and, consequently, physical and physiological performance. It could therefore become dangerous and not perform at all. »
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