The long-awaited validation of a doping test for endurance stimulant EPO (erythropoietin) came today when the International Cycling Union (UCI) said in Paris its test would be used from April 1st.
The body also said: "The UCI is delighted to continue with this engagement [the detection method] that confirms its firm determination in the battle against doping."
The development signals a major sidestep for the UCI, which had not been prepared to sanction any riders suspected of using EPO. Instead, a rider who tested above the hematocrite threshold of 50 was given a 15-day 'warning' to resolve his elevated hematocrite level.
EPO, the most widely used product in the peloton, has until now been hard to detect, and even proof of its presence was not followed by UCI sanctions. In the 1999 Tour of Italy, Marco Pantani was 'advised' not to continue, for his own health's sake, after returning an elevated hematorcrite level.
The UCI is the first federation to use the test - partly to avoid the 1998 Tour de France fiasco, dubbed the 'Tour de Farce' due to widespread EPO use.
The test will be done after races, but riders could also be tested twice in one day if the results of their morning blood test shows a suspect hematocrite (red blood cell) count, or a suspect level for lesser-developed blood cells.
Athletes or cyclists determined to have used EPO will now face a ban of between six months and a year.
AFP