The Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF), the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) today announced an important anti-doping partnership for the 2015 Amgen Tour of California that will, for the first time, include a collaborative effort between the organizations to conduct both in- and out-of-competition testing for all athletes competing in the event. The organizations will jointly coordinate the test distribution planning, sample collection, and will share results of the laboratory analysis.
All samples will be screened for substances and methods included on the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List, including EPO, and certain samples will also be selected for special analysis: the CIR test for synthetic testosterone and tests for CERA and hGH. The samples collected may also be used as part of both USADA and CADF’s Biological Passport programs, and urine and blood samples collected may also be stored for up to ten years, under the rules of the WADA Code, so that, in the event of new testing methods, samples can be reevaluated.
Commenting on the announcement CADF Director Francesca Rossi said: “Working closely with national anti-doping organizations is key part of the CADF’s long-term strategy for planning and implementing anti-doping testing programs in cycling. I am therefore very pleased with the partnership between the CADF, USADA and the UCI for the 2015 Amgen Tour of California. It will allow us to pool various resources including manpower for in- and out-of-competition testing but also, importantly, to share intelligence data for the benefit of the overall testing program.”
“Global collaboration is a vital part of the work we all do in the anti-doping movement,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “The UCI and the CADF’s willingness to work in partnership with national anti-doping organizations is a strong demonstration of the current UCI leadership’s commitment to moving the sport forward from the past, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future for the benefit of all clean athletes.”
UCI President Brian Cookson stated: “The UCI is strongly committed to develop and strengthen its ties with all anti-doping organizations. This agreement with USADA for the 2015 Amgen Tour of California is a new important step forward after previous collaborations set with NADOs from Switzerland, France, and the UK among others. We truly believe that an effective fight for a clean sport can only be achieved through joining forces.”
The Amgen Tour of California is May 10-17. Out-of-competition testing is already underway in the lead up to the event.
About USADA:
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. USADA is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs. In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
About the CADF
An organisation that is central to the fight against doping in cycling, the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF) has gained ISO certification and is independent of the UCI. The CADF is mandated by the UCI to:
- define and implement the rider testing strategy,
- ensure the proper operation and continuous improvement of the biological passport programme,
- draw up and implement anti-doping educational programmes,
- provide scientific and administrative support to the Legal Anti-Doping Service for case management,
- provide administrative support to the UCI Scientific Adviser on the management of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE).
The independence of the CADF was significantly reinforced in September 2013 when its Board was completely renewed. The CADF is chaired by the former President of the UCI Anti-Doping Commission (who resigned this post to take up the chairmanship of CADF), Dr George Ruijsch Van Dugteren, and comprises three members who are independent of the UCI: two legal experts, Mr Christophe Misteli and Mr Thomas Capdevielle, and financial expert Mr Yvan Haymoz.
About UCI:
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the world governing body for cycling recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The UCI’s mission is to develop and promote cycling, in close collaboration with National Federations, as a competitive sport, as a healthy recreational activity or as a means of transport.
In furtherance of its responsibilities as International Federation and signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code, the UCI determines the CADF’s priorities in terms of the testing strategy and broad lines of approach.
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