March 9/07 1:17 am - UCI Announces ProTour "100% Against Doping" Programme

Posted by Editor on 03/9/07
 

UCI Announces ProTour "100% Against Doping" Programme

Earlier today, the International Cycling Union (UCI) presented its new anti-doping programme, the "100% Against Doping" initiative, in Paris.

"The 100% Against Doping initiative represents a quantum leap forward for the cycling world in its efforts to fight doping. Our objective is clear: to give cycling the best antidoping programme in the world. Only clean riders should win; those who cheat should be caught; those considering trying to cheat should be discouraged. Together we can eliminate doping from our sport", claimed. Pat McQuaid, President of the International Cycling Union.

Many key figures of the sport and cycling world attended the launch of the new programme, including Mr. Jean-François Lamour, vice-president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and French Minister for Youth, Sports and Associations; Mr. Bob Stapleton, Manager of the German T-Mobile team; and Mr. Michel Cazes, Head of Sponsorship of the Caisse d' Epargne, sponsor of the team bearing the same name.

With this programme, supported by the cycling family at large and which covers 100% of the riders, UCI intends to provide cycling with the best anti-doping programme worldwide.

"100% Against Doping" contains numerous new measures, which will complement the UCI's existing anti-doping activities.

Programme Summary:

Unannounced out-of-competition tests for 100% of riders
• 100% of riders will be subject to unannounced out-of-competition tests.
• Out-of-competition tests will be targeted to eliminate cheats.
• Riders not subject to such tests in their own countries will be particularly targeted.

Blood tests for 100% of riders
• 100% of riders will be subject to blood tests before the Major Tours.
• 100% of teams will undergo pre-race blood tests at least four times per year.
• Blood tests will be targeted to eliminate cheats.
• Unannounced (no-notice) tests will be organised during training sessions.

Creation of an individual profile for 100% of riders
• A haematological profile (blood) will be created for 100% of riders.
• A steroid profile (urine) will be created for selected riders.
• An international database will be set up, in cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency and national anti-doping agencies.

Development of new tests in cooperation with 100% of riders
• 100% of riders will take part in an anti-doping research programme.
• Each year, the most relevant research will be selected for rider's participation.

Agreement to provide DNA by 100% of riders
• 100% of riders will commit to provide a sample of their DNA if necessary, in the respect of laws and ethical rules.
• Samples will be used for identification purposes in the event of the discovery of suspect matter (organic matter or doping substances).
• Clean riders will then be able to demonstrate their commitment against doping.

The same code of conduct for 100% of teams
• 100% of riders will commit to a standard code of conduct.
• 100% of riders will be subject to the code.

Creation of an Advisory Board
• This programme is in addition to the UCI's extensive existing anti-doping measures:
• Riders
• Teams
• UCI anti-doping authorities
• World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
• International Olympic Committee (IOC)
• Scientific community
• Political world
• Media

Existing UCI anti-doping measures

This programme is in addition to the UCI's extensive existing anti-doping measures:
• In-competition and out-of-competition anti-doping tests.
• In-competition blood tests.
• Medical monitoring (periodic tests, rider's medical file and health booklet).
• Sanctions in compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.

The UCI's anti-doping rules are constantly being revised as new measures are introduced. The UCI's anti-doping rules are available in full at www.uci.ch (Parts 13 and 14).