On Friday the world governing body for cycling, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), banned the use of carbon monoxide (CO) rebreathing devices.
UCI President David Lappartient said the “priority is to protect the health and safety of our athletes, and today’s decision is another significant step in this direction.”
Although the devices are not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, the UCI ban will take effect 10 February due to potential health risks associated with repeatedly using the devices to maximize performance.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas and can cause serious health issues, including confusion, heart arrhythmia, seizures and death.
Concerns about the potentially deadly drug’s use within the top levels of the sport, as well as with amateurs, have been building for over a year. Tour de France champions Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard are among those known to have CO doped – inhaled carbon monoxide to improve athletic performance.
The UCI’s new regulation states the “ban applies to all licence-holders, teams and/or bodies subject to the UCI Regulations and to anyone else who might possess such equipment on behalf of riders or teams.”
But it also oddly states CO rebreathing devices may still be used in certain medical situations, “The inhalation of CO will remain authorised within a medical facility and under the responsibility of a medical professional experienced in the manipulation of this gas for medical reasons.”
Photo Credit: UCI
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