Cycling’s governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has imposed a ban that prohibits the repeated use of carbon monoxide rebreathers starting on February 10. The decision was taken at a UCI Executive Committee meeting in France on Saturday. It will only be allowed within a medical facility and under the responsibility of a medical professional.
The controversial method, currently used by some of today’s top cyclists, will be banned unless strict conditions and requirements are met. The decision was taken by the sport’s governing body to protect the health of cyclists. Concerns have been growing since news broke last year that some cyclists, such as Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, had repeatedly used the method.
The UCI issued several statements and reviewed the case with medical experts before coming to a firm decision. The decision was made this Saturday in Lievin, France, where UCI officials gathered for the cyclocross world championships. However, inhalation will remain authorized “within a medical facility and under the responsibility of a medical professional experienced in handling this gas for medical reasons”, the UCI said in a communiqué issued on Saturday 1st February.
The UCI explains that “carbon monoxide (CO) is commonly used in sports medicine to measure total hemoglobin (Hb) mass and blood volume, in particular, to study the effects of endurance training and altitude exposure on oxygen-carrying capacity”
However, perhaps the most important aspect and fundamental reason for the decision is the risk it poses. “Repeated inhalation can lead to acute and chronic health problems such as headaches, lethargy, nausea, dizziness and confusion. These symptoms can get worse at any time, leading to heart rhythm problems, seizures, paralysis and loss of consciousness,” the statement said.
The new rules will prohibit the possession, outside of a medical facility, of commercially available CO rebreathing systems connected to oxygen and CO cylinders. The new rule will apply “to all license holders, teams and/or bodies subject to UCI regulations, as well as to any other person who may possess such equipment on behalf of riders or teams”.
The use of carbon monoxide came to light during the Tour de France after the website Escape Collective reported the use of the slightly toxic gas to optimize altitude training. Two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard spoke out a few weeks ago, claiming that the use of this method in a specific way helps some cyclists to dope. “By regularly inhaling low doses of carbon monoxide, which leads to a significant increase in performance,” Vingegaard said.
“These symptoms can worsen at any time and lead to cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, paralysis and loss of consciousness,” the UCI added. If carried out under medical supervision, the UCI will only allow one inhalation to measure total hemoglobin mass, with a second inhalation only allowed two weeks after the first.
Interestingly, the method remains approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The UCI said it had asked the agency to comment on the matter, a request made months ago shortly after the issue came to light. UCI President David Lappartient said, “The UCI is taking a bold and necessary stance by banning the repeated use of carbon monoxide inhalers for medical reasons. Our priority is to protect the health and safety of our athletes and today’s decision is another important step in that direction,” he said.
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