Details of doping controls prior to and
during the 2008 Tour de France which begins here Saturday:
Who carries out the controls?
After a rupture between the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the company which runs the Tour, ASO, the race is being held under the auspices of the French Cycling Federation (FFC). As a result, all anti-doping controls will be carried out by the French National Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD).
Before the Tour
The AFLD carried out approximately 60 random and targeted tests on French and foreign riders in the lead-up to the Tour from the 20 teams taking part in the race. The results of those tests may be released during the race. On July 3 and 4, the traditional pre-race blood screenings on all 180 riders will be carried out. All samples will be analysed by the IOC-accredited laboratory in Lausanne, Switzerland and the results will be integrated into the UCI’s blood passport scheme.
During the Tour
AFLD boss Pierre Bordry says the quality of the 180 or so controls carried out will take precedence over the quantity, and there will be more random tests. The AFLD says it will try to break past traditions by not systematically controlling riders who have anticipated being tested. Automatic tests on the yellow jersey and stage winners will be maintained. Random tests will also be carried out by the AFLD at the team hotels, between the hours of 0600 and 2100 local time. The AFLD will take blood and urine samples, but, in accordance with French law, can also take samples of hair and nails. It is only in the event that both A and B samples are positive that the latter will be analysed. Urine samples will be regularly analysed for EPO (erythropoietin), as well as the “traditional” substances like corticoids, stimulants, anabolic steroids). Blood samples will also be analysed, one part of the sample being sent to Lausanne for testing for human growth hormone, the other part being sent to the French anti-doping laboratory at Chatenay-Malabry, which is also responsible for analysing all the race’s urine samples.
After the Tour
In the event of any positive doping cases, two scenarios are possible. If the rider is French the FFC will take over the dossier. If he is foreign, the AFLD takes over his case. In both cases, however, it is the world governing body the UCI which has the final decision in any eventual sanction.