Anti-Doping Organization demands UCI view on ketones and issues warning regarding trick with gas inhalation

At an MPCC meeting on October 28 in Paris, the use of drugs in cycling was addressed. "The issue of ketones is more problematic than ever, and it is sadly clear that the results of the studies commissioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on the subject are still awaited, putting cycling and the members of the MPCC in an embarrassing position."

After all, the anti-doping organization has been raising concerns about the use of ketones for years. Major teams such as Visma | Lease a Bike and Alpecin-Deceuninck have been using it for a long time, and to this day, it is not a banned substance either. Whether it is a performance-enhancing drug, opinions differ. However, the tiny bottles that are often drunk after a race to stimulate recovery are increasingly popular.

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The MPCC stresses that it reported on ketones back in 2019, then based on a Belgian study. "Members were concerned about the health risks and the potential performance enhancement that the use of this compound could bring, the UCI does not plan to announce the results of impact assessment of ketones on health and performance until the end of 2025. We cannot accept such long delays, given the public health issues at stake and the credibility of our sport." The organization is simply asking for a clear veiw. "Either the UCI is certain that the use of ketones is acceptable and must make this known in a clear and precise communication. Or it is not, and it must be stated loud and clear that the institution does not recommend their use, or even prohibits it."

A "gray area" in terms of drug use now persists, the MPCC argues. In that regard, it also raises concerns about using carbon monoxide. This inhaled gas would be used to mimic the effects of altitude training. However, a clear reference is made here to an anti-doping rule prohibiting inhalation of certain gases. "With the health risk (potentially fatal), the complex and artificial technical aspect (misuse of technical and therapeutic means to artificially create physiological changes), and the world anti-doping code in force, the MPCC can only and strongly advise against the use of this technique… until it's banned.'