"WADA should invoke an emergency procedure" to combat rising Carbon Monoxide inhalation according to anti-doping organisation

The controversial usage of Carbon Monoxide inhalation by riders in the peloton has been a hot topic of discussion in the cycling world of late. After the UCI recently advised teams against using the method, the MPCC has now demanded WADA take action.

The MPCC (Movement for a Credible Cycling ed.) have addressed the recent comment of the sports governing body and the slow call to action from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA ed.) in a press release on their official website.

"The MPCC is delighted that the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has reacted to the alarming issue of carbon monoxide inhalation by some riders, in agreement with their respective teams. However, the movement deplores the slowness of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s procedures, even when athletes’ health is at risk," begins the MPCC statement. "The MPCC Board believes that in the context of such reckless behaviour as the repeated use of a toxic gas or a powerful opioid, WADA should invoke an emergency procedure to enforce the precautionary principle when a potentially dangerous practice or drug emerges."

"The MPCC also warns riders to the fact that a substance that is not on the list of banned products is not a sufficient reason for riders and their teams to allow themselves to use it," continue the anti-doping organisation. "More generally, the MPCC deplores the development of these ‘grey areas’ in medicinal practices and encourages all governing bodies to create a favourable framework to limit the medicalisation of our sport to the strict minimum."

Given the past and ongoing slow reactions WADA in regards to things such as Tramadol and Ketones, the MPCC don't sound too hopeful of a quick resolution though, and with notable teams such as UAE Team Emirates and Team Visma Lease a Bike using Carbon Monoxide inhalation over recent years, it remains to be seen if the UCI's message to stop will be heeded.