MPCC and UCI unite against rebreathers, WADA stays behind: "Even when athletes' health is at risk"

The use of carbon monoxide rebreathers is becoming increasingly popular in the peloton, to the dismay of the Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC). The organization has been strongly demanding stricter rules around the product for some time. Now, they are getting support from the UCI, which finally took a position at a meeting in Nice.

Earlier this week the International Cycling Federation described what was discussed in southern France. "The UCI clearly asks teams and riders not to use repeatedly carbon monoxide inhalation. Only the medical use of a single inhalation of carbon monoxide in a controlled medical environment could be acceptable." Most teams, including Visma | Lease a Bike use the substance to test blood values, but it can increase oxygen uptake. However, frequent use could be harmful.

It was an essential step in the battle to prohibit the drug. The MPCC was very pleased that the UCI shared the same views, but at the same time, it was highly critical of WADA. "The MPCC is delighted that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has reacted to the alarming issue of carbon monoxide inhalation by some riders, in agreement with their respective teams," the organization stated in a press release. "However, the movement deplores the slowness of the World Anti-Doping Agency's procedures, even when athletes' health is at risk.' The MPCC believes that the Anti-Doping Organization has been staying behind for years. "It took more than 10 years to convince WADA to include Tramadol on the list of banned products, even though doctors from MPCC member teams had undertaken to stop prescribing it to their riders from 2013."

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Jonas Vingegaard previously stated he did not know about the harmfulness of rebreathers.

Uncertainty over ketones: decision late next year only

Another example of WADA's hesitancy is the situation regarding ketones. "Since 2019, the MPCC has been calling for a clear position from WADA on the effects of ketones in sport. Five years later, we are still at the same point, since WADA refuses to give an opinion until a scientific study has been made public. This scientific publication, also required by the UCI, is not expected before the end of next year, at the earliest."

"The MPCC Board believes that in the context of such reckless behaviour as the repeated use of a toxic gas or a powerful opioid, WADA should invoke an emergency procedure to enforce the precautionary principle when a potentially dangerous practice or drug emerges. The MPCC also warns riders to the fact that a substance that is not on the list of banned products is not a sufficient reason for riders and their teams to allow themselves to use it."

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