Public opinion on doping in cycling: differences among population groups

Despite the vast amount of literature available on doping in sports, little is known about how the general public actually thinks about doping. It is even more unclear how public opinion on doping differs within the population. Our questionnaire-based study for Flanders (Belgium), with a focus on doping in cycling, shows a strong disapproval of doping use by all respondents. There are statistically significant differences, though, among the population groups. Cycling fans tend to be less negative towards doping in cycling than non-cycling fans. Cycling fans also express a clear feeling of their sport being treated unfairly compared to other sports. Furthermore we observe some clear gender-based and age-based differences in opinion: women and older people are much more opposed to doping than men and younger people.

ISBN:978-3-631-64657-1

Publication year:2014