GreasyMonkey said:I have never research Clenbuterol as a broncho-dilator, but assuming the effects are similar to Salbutamol, then it will do nothing for a non-restricted bronchii.
If it was masking other drugs in some test, it is a very blunt "instrument" to be so masked by a totally different drug. (a screening test, I would presume).
My understanding of Mass Spectrometry is that it is very capable of isolating different substances within a single test sample, so the chances of one drug completely "masking" another of a different class/compound would be near impossible in MS testing, but of course the "quick and easy" screens could be fooled.
If so, I would expect that the testing protocol should allow for follow-up to confirm that only the drug for which the TUE is issued is present, nothing else.
You are correct even in the early days of testing. I think the "quick and easy" described the window dressing that was testing of that era. Other threads have dealt with rider's being shaken down for tests to disappear and other petty racketeering by the "officials" of that time. No way it would mask anything but very closely associated drug.
So back to the question: as it is unlikely Clenbuterol, or more commonly used Salbutamol would have a beneficial effect did the UCI's classification of it come from known associations with PED regimes? Realistically these guys don't blood boost without other PED activities on their agenda. So what would you take Clen typically accompany in a cheating-type regime?
The end point is if it's banned in minute amounts there has to be some known rationale based on experience with accompanying programmed drug use that do benefit performance. It is hard to accept they would use it solely for weight loss or is it that simple?