This refers to ‘Fitness drugs clamp’ (GDN, December 15).

Your article regarding the use of ‘performance enhancing drugs’ brings up an associated issue which is the non-availability of ‘performance nutrition’ products in Bahrain.

As a business devoted to the development of cycling in the region, we are keenly aware that in order for our athletes to reach their maximum performance, not only must they have a rigorous training regime designed for their cycling discipline, they also need to ensure effective hydration and caloric intake before, during and after the ride.

Calories used must be matched by calories consumed in order to ensure maximum performance of the athlete, and since the process of ‘normal’ food digestion takes time, it is crucial to use high quality supplements (these are not drugs) before, during and after exercise. Such supplements are a healthy energy source in its most basic form – and these are not available for athletes to purchase in Bahrain, instead they must find some way of bringing these items in personally from overseas. We have been in contact with the Health Ministry on a number of occasions requesting permission to import these totally natural and safe ‘supplements’, which are critical to the performance of our athletes, but we are informed that the import of such products is not allowed and licences are currently not being issued.

We respectfully request the ministry to rethink its policy on the issue of performance nutrition supplements, for the good of our Bahrain cyclists.

Bob Hughes

Skaet Shack