In a decisive move addressing concerns over performance enhancement, cycling’s governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has outlawed the repeated use of carbon monoxide rebreathing among riders. This measure, agreed upon during a recent executive committee meeting in France, is set to take effect on February 10, targeting practices that artificially enhance athletic performance while posing significant health risks.
The ban specifically targets the repeated inhalation of carbon monoxide, a process that some cyclists exploit to boost performance by manipulating critical blood values such as the total mass of hemoglobin. The UCI emphasized the medical rationale behind this prohibition, highlighting the potential for acute and chronic health issues arising from non-medical usage. Symptoms such as headaches, lethargy, and nausea could deteriorate further into severe conditions, including heart rhythm problems and seizures, the organization warned.
During the recent Tour de France, the issue gained attention after reports emerged on a cycling website about riders using carbon monoxide to optimize their altitude training. Two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard has been vocal, suggesting that some athletes misuse this technique to achieve significant performance gains. His concerns were echoed by the UCI’s decision, which prioritizes athlete health and safety.
Despite this ban, the use of carbon monoxide remains permissible under specific conditions. It is still allowed within medical facilities under the supervision of professionals experienced in handling the gas for medical purposes. In these controlled environments, carbon monoxide serves as a tracer to monitor oxygen diffusion in the lungs, a legitimate medical practice.
The prohibition extends to the possession of commercially available carbon monoxide rebreathing systems outside of a medical setting, with strict limitations on the frequency of authorized inhalations. The UCI mandates that only two inhalations are permitted, with a minimum twoweek interval separating them, ensuring the practice remains under stringent medical scrutiny.
While the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) continues to allow this method, the UCI has called for a reassessment by the agency, seeking a broader consensus on regulating the use of carbon monoxide in sports. UCI President David Lappartient underscored the organization’s commitment to athlete safety, describing the ban as a substantial step forward in protecting cyclists from health risks associated with doping practices.
This proactive measure by the UCI reflects its ongoing dedication to safeguarding the health of cyclists and maintaining fair competition within the sport. By curbing practices that jeopardize athlete welfare, the organization reinforces its role in fostering a transparent and equitable competitive environment.
