On Monday 28 October, on the eve of the official presentation of the 2025 Tour de France, the Mouvement Pour un Cyclisme Crédible (MPCC) met in Paris for its 18th Annual General Meeting. Among the many topics discussed, ketones were once again on the agenda, for the sixth consecutive year !
The MPCC spent an important day in Paris, on Monday 28 October, firstly holding a meeting of its Board of Directors and then organising its 18th Annual General Meeting. In a context where journalistic investigations have highlighted the alleged over-medicalisation of the peloton, a number of concerns were expressed during these discussion sessions. The issue of ketones is more problematic than ever, and it is sadly clear that the results of the studies commissioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on the subject are still awaited, putting cycling and the members of the MPCC in an embarrassing position.
What kind of sport would we want ?
It was in 2019 that the word ‘ketones’ was first mentioned at MPCC meetings, following a Belgian study, and its members were concerned about the health risks and the potential performance enhancement that the use of this compound could bring. This complex issue is a perfect illustration of the DNA of our movement. Our members want to protect their riders and their employees, and regularly make the strong choice to decide, on a voluntary basis, that it is not just the rules of the authorities that should determine what we want our cycling sport to be. This is the raison d’être of our movement : its way of dealing with grey areas.
Keeping the light on
However, it would appear that the UCI does not plan to announce the results of impact assessment of ketones on health and performance until the end of 2025. We cannot accept such long delays, given the public health issues at stake and the credibility of our sport. The managers and referring doctors of the MPCC member teams are seeing their positions, those guided by caution, weakened by an endless wait for clarification and a clear position. Either the UCI is certain that the use of ketones is acceptable and must make this known in a clear and precise communication. Or it is not and must state loud and clear that the institution does not recommend their use, or even that it prohibits it.
The members of the MPCC would like to put this issue to rest, as it has been a source of suspicion for many years.
MPCC members ever more committed
The topic of carbon monoxide was also raised. Some media have reported a likely misuse of this potentially lethal gas. The aim of its use would be to create artificial hypoxia by inhaling it in (unknown) doses, thus mimicking the effects of exertion at altitude. The World Anti-Doping Code specifies particuly in section M1.2 ‘Artificially enhancing the uptake, transport or delivery of oxygen. Including, but not limited to : Perfluorochemicals; efaproxiral (RSR13); voxelotor and modified haemoglobin products, e.g. haemoglobin-based blood substitutes and microencapsulated haemoglobin products, excluding supplemental oxygen by inhalation’.
With the health risk (potentially fatal), the complex and artificial technical aspect (misuse of technical and therapeutic means to artificially create physiological changes), and the world anti-doping code in force, the MPCC can only and strongly advise against the use of this technique… until it’s banned.
Roger Legeay, Chairman of the MPCC, also called on the members of the movement to become even more ‘active in the fight against doping’ – our new slogan since 2024.
Up to date, are members of MPCC :
15 Pro Teams
385 riders
270 ex-riders
306 staff members
6 riders representatives or agencies
8 sponsors
15 sympathizers
The MPCC is calling for ever more members committed to the credibility of cycling. It also calls on the organisers, first and foremost Amaury Sport Organisation, which has always set an example, to encourage both men’s and women’s teams to join the movement.
The MPCC is delighted with the invaluable involvement of its members at this General Meeting, and the commitment of its Bureau, at the rhythm of the Boards of Directors that live the life of the movement throughout the year. The Board, whose constitution was voted on at the General Meeting, welcomes a new member to the family of team referral doctors : Dr Jean-Reynald Millot (St Michel-Mavic-Auber 93).
New Board of Directors :
- BRAMMEIER Emily DSM FIRMENICH-POST NL Women’s World Tour Team
- BRANDT Christophe BINGOAL WB Pro-Team
- HINAULT Sébastien ARKEA-B&B Hotels World Tour Team
- LEGEAY Roger
- MADIOT Marc GROUPAMA-FDJ World Tour Team
- Dr MILLOT Jean-Reynald St MICHEL-MAVIC-AUBER 93 Pro Continental Team
- SENMARTIN Philippe TOTAL ENERGIES Pro-Team
- SPEKENBRINK Iwan DSM FIRMENICH-POST NL World Tour Team
- TRAJBER Franck COFIDIS World Tour Team
ITA, General Meeting’s guest for the third consecutive year
The MPCC would like to thank Olivier Banuls, head of the cycling unit at the International Testing Agency, and his close contributors, for taking part in the General Meeting for the third year running, to present the various activities and results of the International Testing Agency (ITA) to the members. ‘Cycling has the most extensive anti-doping programme of all the sports we monitor,’ said Olivier Banuls.
Indeed, as a result of the increase in the financial resources allocated to the fight against doping in cycling, in particular brought about by the contribution of those involved, and first and foremost the teams, the number of out-of-competition tests has increased by 29% between 2022 and 2023. The MPCC welcomes this, supports these necessary developments and hopes for even more results in the future, in the fight against all forms of cheating in cycling.
In 2025, more than thirty riders currently under suspension for doping will be authorised to compete again. The MPCC will be cautious about the future of these athletes, having reminded its members of their commitment, on a voluntary basis, not to re-engage a rider after a doping suspension for more than 6 months.