TotalEnergies manager calls for end ketones in pro cycling: "It's not good for our sport's credibility and attractivity"

Are ketones doping or not? On paper no, but answers will vary from person to person. It is one of the largest grey areas when it comes to current pro cycling's nutrition, but some argue for their ban immediately including TotalEnergies' general manager.

“Ketones are a grey zone in cycling. It's not good for our sport's credibility and attractivity. Everyone is aware ketones are in use among several teams but nobody knows what they really are," Jean-René Bernaudeau said in an interview with Cyclingnews. "It's ironic. Teams who say they take ketones pretend they’re not enhancing performances. So why do they take them?”

Arguably, it is said that there is some sort of benefit for the use of ketones, and that over the past few years several team have taken up their use. Whilst it is not frequently discussed openly, the substance is not banned and it is not yet proven if it carries with it negative consequences in the long-term. However, members of the MPCC (the Movement for credible cycling association) do not allow their riders to take it. Over the past few years, some have commented that it is a peloton racing at 'two different speeds'.

“The UCI isn’t acting as a governing body. UCI should follow the recommendations of the MPCC. The MPCC pushed the UCI to ban Tramadol. Now it’s a great time to solve the ketones case," he adds. “Cycling has the potential to be the world's number one sport but has no real global sponsors."

The French team manager is keen that the non-use of such substances is a request of some sponsors, and that includes TotalEnergies. "The Management Board is very sensitive about ethics issues and it's great to have sponsors with strong values. They have the power to tell their team managers and riders to stop using ketones."