Further to an invitation from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), a meeting took place in Lausanne on March 12th between WADA, The UCI, the CADF and a MPCC’s delegation.

MPCC made a presentation of its philosophy, insisting on the voluntary approach of its members (more than 650 members, including 350 riders and 41 teams, accounting for 60% of the global peloton). MPCC is undoubtedly an asset to the credibility of our sport as managers can act with more flexibility than regulatory bodies: they may fire riders and refrain from hiring the ones that have tested positive, or even pronounce a provisional suspension. During this constructive dialogue, all of the topics raised by MPCC were addressed.

Puerto Case

The criminal and disciplinary proceedings are now over. Nevertheless, WADA is still in the process of identifying the owners of the blood bags. Once this process is over, WADA will decide how it will release the names of the athletes in question to their respective International Federations. This data will only be released on a confidential basis and the names of the athletes will not be released to the public by WADA, given that any prosecution is impossible.

Tramadol

WADA is supportive of the UCI’s approach to researching this substance, which focuses on the health and safety of riders. Besides the monitoring of this substance, WADA has also started a process with multiple experts to determine the actual impact of tramadol on an athlete’s performance. MPCC reiterated its wish to put tramadol on the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods.

GLUCOCORTICOIDS

With the help of its experts, WADA is continuing to work on a modification of the rules regarding the use of glucocorticoids, as the current regulation is not viewed as satisfactory. MPCC renewed its request for the prohibition of glucocorticoid use by injection in competition.

Salbutamol

WADA confirmed its regulations in regards to salbutamol for 2019. Following the evolution of the knowledge base in this area, consideration is being given to possibly change the regulations on the basis of recent results and expert conclusions.

Provisional suspension: specified substance

WADA will not change its regulations. This is an individual decision that should be taken by Anti-Doping Organizations. MPCC renewed its request for a provisional suspension as soon as a disciplinary process is ongoing, whether the substance is specified or not.

Thyroid supplements

MPCC also raised the issue of the misuse of thyroid supplements in cycling (Thyrax in Europe, Synthroid in the US). MPCC will submit its proposals during the year 2019.

It was agreed that MPCC will keep providing UCI, CADF and WADA with all information that may help the fight against doping in cycling. This first meeting shall also be followed by regular exchanges to keep track of the evolution of every issue. It is obviously essential that every stakeholder be fully committed, especially the teams, riders and organizers that belong to the MPCC on a voluntary basis.

Attending this meeting:

WADA:
– Olivier NIGGLI, Director General
– Sébastien GILLOT, Director, European Regional Office and International Federations Relations
– Olivier RABIN, Senior Executive Director, Sciences and International Partnerships

UCI:
– Simon GEINOZ, Head of Legal Anti-Doping Services

CADF:
– Francesca ROSSI, Director of the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation

MPCC:
– Roger LEGEAY, President of the MPCC Guest member of the PCC (Professional Cycling Council)
– Iwan SPEKENBRICK, Vice-president of the MPCC General Manager of World Tour team SUNWEB President of the AIGCP (Association internationale des groupes cyclistes professionnels) Member of the PCC (Professional Cycling Council)
– Philippe SENMARTIN, General Secretary of the MPCC Member of the pro-continental team DIRECT ENERGIE Lawyer
– Dr Prentice STEFFEN, Doctor of the pro-continental team RALLY UHC CYCLING
– Christophe LAVERGNE, French Federation, member of the MPCC FFC Chief Legal Counsel