IPCT proposes anti-doping program

Several ProTour teams present at an IPCT meeting Wednesday announced a new possible anti-doping program.

Liquigas, Team CSC, Team T-Mobile, Rabobank, Euskaltel, Caisse d'Epargne, Saunier-Duval, Quick.Step-Innergetic, Lampre-Fondital, Team Milram, Predictor-Lotto and Gerolsteiner representatives agreed "to put in place the strongest possible anti-doping program, starting January 2008."

A statement from the IPCT specified at least 15 blood tests and 15 urine tests on each ProTour rider, for a total of at least 600 tests per team per year. The association is considering extending the program to also include Professional Continental Teams.

80% of these tests will be out of competition, and data collected will be made available for research. The statement specified, "The coordination and execution of the program will be done by an independent body in close conjunction with the UCI and the other relevant authorities within the rules and regulations of and approval of WADA and UCI."

ProTour teams will fund the program costs for testing their own riders. Further discussions with other teams, including those not present, to discuss program participation and details. Full details will be made public during October 2007.

The IPCT reported that the UCI has "accepted and applauded" the initiative.