Testing Procedures in Anti-Doping

Fundamentals of Anti-Doping Testing Procedures

Anti-doping testing procedures in cycling follow the strict guidelines of the WADA Code and serve to protect clean athletes and the integrity of sport. The procedures include various types of tests that are conducted both during and outside of competitions.

Objectives of Doping Controls

The testing procedures pursue several central objectives:

1. Deterrence - Deter potential doping offenders through close-knit controls
2. Prevention - Prevent doping through transparent procedures
3. Detection - Identify violations of anti-doping rules
4. Fairness - Ensure fair competition conditions for all athletes
5. Health Protection - Protect athletes from dangerous substances

Types of Doping Controls

Anti-doping testing procedures distinguish between different types of controls, each serving specific purposes.

Competition Controls

Competition controls (In-Competition Testing) take place during or immediately after races. At major cycling races like the Tour de France, several riders are tested daily.

Special Features:

• Control takes place within 12 hours after race end
• Winners and top finishers are generally tested
• Additional random selection of other riders
• Higher probability of stimulant detection

Training Controls

Training controls (Out-of-Competition Testing) are unannounced tests outside of competitions. These are considered particularly effective, as many doping substances are primarily used during training phases.

Characteristics:

• No advance notice possible
• Conducted at any time of day, including early morning
• Athletes must report location via ADAMS system
• Extended analysis spectrum possible

Targeted Controls

Targeted Testing is based on suspicions, tips or conspicuous parameters in the Biological Passport.

Triggers for targeted controls:

• Conspicuous values in the Biological Passport
• Tips from whistleblowers
• Suspicious performance improvements
• Connections to known doping networks
• Anomalies in previous test results

Process of a Doping Control

The process follows standardized international protocols to ensure the integrity of samples and the rights of athletes.

Step 1: Selection and Notification

The athlete is notified by a doping control officer (DCO). The notification must be made in person and is binding from this moment.

Important Rules:

• Athlete must identify themselves immediately
• Control cannot be postponed
• Accompanying person may be called in
• Athlete remains under constant observation
• Fluid intake only allowed under supervision

Step 2: Going to the Control Station

The DCO accompanies the athlete to the doping control station. At competitions, this is usually located in close proximity to the finish area.

Step 3: Identity Verification and Form Check

At the control station, identity is verified and the official form is filled out.

Step 4: Selection of Sample Container

The athlete selects one from several sealed sample container sets themselves. This prevents manipulation.

Components of a sample set:

• A-sample container (for initial analysis)
• B-sample container (for possible re-test)
• Sealed packaging with number code
• Documentation form with identical number

Step 5: Sample Collection

The actual sample collection takes place under direct observation to exclude manipulation.

Urine Sample:

• Minimum amount: 90 ml
• Observation of collection (same-gender DCO)
• Athlete can provide multiple partial samples until minimum amount is reached
• pH value and specific gravity are measured immediately

Blood Sample:

• Collection by qualified medical personnel
• Usual volume: 2-3 tubes of 3-6 ml each
• For blood passport and substance detection
• Storage at controlled temperature

Step 6: Sealing and Documentation

The athlete seals the samples themselves and verifies the code numbers.

1. Division of urine sample into A and B sample
2. Closure with security seal
3. Verification of code numbers for match
4. Signature on documentation form
5. Receipt of a copy for personal records

Step 7: Transport to Laboratory

The samples are transported in special cooling containers to a WADA-accredited laboratory.

Transport Standards:

• Protected from manipulation
• Temperature control (blood samples: 2-8°C)
• Documented chain of custody
• Maximum 36 hours until laboratory arrival

Analysis Techniques

WADA-accredited laboratories use state-of-the-art analysis techniques to detect prohibited substances.

Common Analysis Procedures

Biological Passport

The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is an innovative monitoring instrument that tracks individual biological values over longer periods.

Components of the Biological Passport:

Hematological Module:

• Hemoglobin concentration
• Hematocrit value
• Reticulocyte percentage
• OFF-Score (combined marker)

Steroid Profile Module:

• Testosterone and epitestosterone
• Other endogenous steroids
• Ratios and metabolites

Detection Window of Important Substances

The detection window describes the period during which a substance remains detectable after the last intake.

Athlete Rights and Obligations

Doping controls represent an intrusion into privacy, therefore athlete rights are clearly defined.

Rights During Control

1. Right to Information - Complete explanation of the process
2. Right to Accompanying Person - A trusted person may be present
3. Right to Confidentiality - Discretion during the entire procedure
4. Right to Documentation - Copy of all forms and codes
5. Right to Delay - In justified cases (podium ceremony, press conference)
6. Right to Indicate Medications - Disclosure of all preparations
7. Right to B-Sample Analysis - In case of positive A-sample finding

Athlete Obligations

Whereabouts Obligation:

Athletes in the Registered Testing Pool (RTP) must report their location quarterly.

Documentation Obligation:

• Indicate all medications of the last 7 days
• Declare dietary supplements
• Disclose medical treatments
• For TUE-required substances: present Therapeutic Use Exemption

Consequences of Violation

Special Features in Cycling

Cycling has developed special anti-doping measures due to its history and specific requirements.

Close-Knit Control System

Professional cyclists are among the most frequently tested athletes worldwide.

Control frequency for top riders:

• 30-50 tests per year (competition + training)
• 8-12 blood profile updates for Biological Passport
• Additional targeted controls when suspicious
• Team tests during stage races

UCI-Specific Regulations

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has introduced additional requirements:

No-Needle-Policy:

• Prohibition of intravenous infusions except for medical necessity
• Strict documentation obligation for all injections
• Maximum infusion volume: 100 ml/12 hours

Nighttime Blood Controls:

• Unannounced tests between 23:00 and 06:00
• Verification of blood values during recovery phases
• Detection of nighttime manipulations

Team Responsibility

Teams can be held jointly responsible for doping violations by their riders.

Quality Assurance and Accreditation

The integrity of testing procedures is ensured through strict quality standards.

WADA Laboratory Accreditation

Only WADA-accredited laboratories may conduct anti-doping analyses.

Accreditation Requirements:

• ISO/IEC 17025 certification
• WADA International Standard for Laboratories (ISL)
• Regular proficiency tests
• Annual inspections
• Continuous staff training

Approximately 30 WADA-accredited laboratories exist worldwide, including Cologne (Germany), Lausanne (Switzerland) and Barcelona (Spain) as important centers for European cycling.

Chain of Custody

The complete documentation of the sample chain is crucial for evidentiary value.

Quality Control of Analysis Results

Laboratories conduct comprehensive quality controls:

1. Negative Controls - Samples without substances for system verification
2. Positive Controls - Samples with known substances for calibration
3. Blind Samples - Anonymized samples for validation
4. Duplicate Analyses - Double measurement for critical values
5. Peer Review - Independent review of conspicuous findings

Innovative Developments

Anti-doping technology is continuously evolving.

Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Testing

An innovative method that simplifies the sample collection process.

Advantages:

• Minimal blood requirement (few drops)
• Simple storage at room temperature
• Longer shelf life
• More cost-effective transport
• Extended use in training controls

Long-Term Storage for Re-Testing

Samples are stored for up to 10 years to be analyzed retrospectively with future methods.

Significance:

• Detection of doping with improved analysis techniques
• Deterrence through retrospective sanction risk
• Fairness for clean athletes through later title corrections

Genetic Testing Technology

Future developments aim at detecting gene doping.

Research Areas:

• Detection of genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9)
• Detection of genetic markers for doping
• Epigenetic changes through substances
• RNA-based detection methods

Frequently Asked Questions About Testing Procedures

Transparency and Trust Building

The credibility of the anti-doping system depends on transparency.

Publication of Test Results

Many anti-doping organizations publish annual statistics:

• Number of tests conducted
• Positive findings by substance classes
• Sanctioned athletes
• Whereabouts violations

UCI Anti-Doping Statistics 2023:

• 18,547 tests conducted
• 142 Analytical Findings (0.76%)
• 89 Anti-Doping Rule Violations
• Main substances: Anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, stimulants

Education and Prevention

Anti-doping organizations increasingly focus on education.

Educational Measures:

• Mandatory online courses for licensed riders
• Clean Sport seminars in youth teams
• Medication counseling by association doctors
• Apps for substance checking (e.g. Global DRO)
• Whistleblower hotlines for tips

International Cooperation

Effective anti-doping work requires global cooperation.

Important Organizations

Intelligence & Investigations

Modern anti-doping work combines testing with investigative investigation.

Intelligence-based approaches:

• Analysis of athlete data and behavior
• Monitoring of suspicious networks
• Cooperation with law enforcement agencies
• Use of whistleblower information
• Financial investigations of dealer rings

Related Topics

• WADA Code - Legal foundations of the anti-doping system
• Prohibited Substances - Overview of unauthorized active substances
• Famous Doping Cases - Significant violations in cycling
• UCI Regulations - General regulations in cycling
• Doping Scandals - Biggest scandals in cycling history

Last Update: November 2, 2025