The International Cycling Union today announced the implementation of a new test to detect the use of the banned hormone erythropoeitin (EPO). The measure, due to be introduced immediately, is based on analysis of urine samples which will be taken from race winners and leading riders in stage races, randomly-selected individuals and those suspected of EPO use. Cycling’s governing body states that it will also continue to enforce its suspension of riders whose red blood cell level is over 50%.
The most famous of bans occurred in 1999 when Tour de France champion Marco Pantani was thrown off the Tour of Italy while assured of victory, due to a red blood cell level 2 points above the permitted threshold.
However, under the new system these routine blood analyses will also be used to pinpoint blood profiles which suggest EPO use, such as increased quantities of developing red cells called reticulocytes. Levels of these young cells are elevated through the use of the banned hormone. According to UCI member Pat McQuaid, the new measures will be of considerable help in the fight against doping.
"The measures are probably the toughest implemented by any sporting body and should be very effective in the fight against EPO. The tests were due to be brought in for the Tour of Flanders (the second World Cup race, on April 8th), but it is probable that the first samples will be taken this weekend," said McQuaid.
The two-day Criterium International, in which Irish rider Ciarán Power lines out tomorrow, is one race which may be targeted. McQuaid is keen that the new measure is successful. The former Nissan Classic race director is behind a bid to bring the world championships to Killarney in 2004, but the EPO use uncovered during the 1998 Tour de France has made his task a difficult one.
Despite that today’s announcement shows that in the two and a half years since, cycling has become arguably the most stringently-tested discipline in world sport.
Filed by Seán Folan
