UCI concerned about carbon monoxide use among riders: "WADA must also take a position"

Concerns about the drug's use developed some time ago. Now, the UCI has taken the opportunity to speak out as the main player around regulation. At a meeting in Nice, the topic was discussed, among other things, as part of the High Temperature Protocol, which also deals with cycling's role in climate change.

The statement on the use of CO, which the union says is not intended to be used repeatedly but only incidentally for riders, read as follows: "Seminar participants were also brought up to date on the current knowledge of the effects on performance of repeated carbon monoxide (CO) inhalation. The UCI clearly asks teams and riders not to use repeated CO inhalation. Only the medical use of a single inhalation of CO in a controlled medical environment could be acceptable. The UCI is also officially requesting the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to take a position on the use of this method by athletes."

During the Last Tour de France, it became known that several teams were using carbon monoxide to optimize the effects of altitude training and possibly boost riders' blood levels. However, the union says the drug can be dangerous, so it wants to call for it to be used only after a check-up on rare occasions.

The statement, which followed as a summary after the Nice meeting, also discussed the future of financial fairness in cycling, which will be examined more closely between 2026 and 2028. Other topics discussed included technical fraud and SafeR developments. Behind the scenes, discussions are still going on about improving safety. The UCI says it will bring new presentations on that in early 2025.