New doping test proposed for Deutschland Tour

The Deutschland Tour hopes to use new "Intelligent Doping Controls", the race organisers announced Monday. They have asked the International Cycling Union (UCI) to approve the procedures.

"With their approval we will be ahead of all other sports events around the world," race manager Kai Rapp told sid. He expected a response from the UCI within the next two weeks, ahead of the Deutschland Tour's from August 29 to September 6.

The proposed tests would involve new methods of testing for insulin and for the possibility of urine manipulation. In addition, an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) would be used to look for testosterone, and the samples will be tested for all known EPO derivatives.

"The teams have let me know that they are very interested in the new methods," Rapp said. "I also hope that all participants are warned. We will proceed very strictly, not to destroy but to be constructive."

Rapp would not confirm whether the invitation to Team Scott-American Beef, the follow-up to Team Saunier Duval, has been rescinded. It had previously been reported that he withdrew the team's invitation after Riccardo Riccò's positive doping test during the Tour de France.

"The UCI has an inquiry from us, which lays out our position," he said.