AIGCP gives green light to DNA testing

Yesterday in Paris, the International Association of Professional Cycling teams (AIGCP) agreed on using DNA testing to battle cycling's doping problems. Before the end of the year the AIGCP will ask that the riders authorize the UCI to collect their DNA samples, and, with the start of 2007, any new professionals have to automatically authorize the collection of their DNA.

"The agreement was unanimous," said President of AIGCP, Petrick Lefèvere, to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "We can not force the riders to agree to our request, but who refuses will have to assume the consequences. For example, a team could decide not to renew their contract."

Also, a pact was made among the members of the AIGCP that they would not sign riders implicated in doping investigations, even before the full results are known. This is a morale decision, not based on any written AIGCP rules, that could block riders like Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso, who are involved in Operación Puerto, from signing with ProTour teams.

The AIGCP also formally asked the UCI to tighten its testing procedures, allowing for more surprise testing, both out-of-competition and during races.