CADF: Update on operations due to coronavirus

26 March 2020

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 11 March, the impact of the coronavirus on society and sport has been considerable.

Cycling is no exception, and this situation affects the activities of the entire cycling family worldwide.

With respect to anti-doping activities, the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF), the independent organisation in charge of the anti-doping strategy for cycling, is taking the situation very seriously. Together with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the anti-doping community, the CADF is closely monitoring developments with the aim of continuing activities to protect clean cycling in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.

Faced with this unprecedented situation, the CADF is adapting its anti-doping testing process and programme to remain in line with governmental measures and the guidance received from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Our top priority is the health and welfare of the cyclists, their entourage and the sample collection personnel. Accordingly, our modified testing programme takes into account the following:

i. the international races that are postponed or cancelled;

ii. the countries identified at risk by the WHO and where government restrictions are imposed;

iii. the list of the WADA-accredited laboratories that have suspended their activities.

Where testing can continue, priority will be given to riders in the UCI Registered Testing Pool (RTP), in particular to urgent missions. For all tests, the safety measures are reinforced to protect the health of cyclists, their entourage and Doping Control Officers (DCOs) in accordance with WADA guidance.

Furthermore, cyclists included in the UCI RTP are required to continue submitting and updating their whereabouts information in accordance with the UCI Anti-Doping Rules and Testing and Investigations Regulations.

The CADF will continue to liaise with the UCI, WADA and the anti-doping community to remain abreast of the latest information and health protocols in order to maintain an effective anti-doping programme in light of the current situation.

CONTACT:

For more information, please contact the CADF Media Team at media@cadf.ch

or visit our website at www.cadf.ch

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