British Cycling and UKAD launch partnership to tackle doping

British Cycling has announced a new partnership with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) which the two organisations say will “shape the fight against doping in the sport” and restore public faith in cycling.

The initiative has been drawn up by their respective chairs, Frank Slevin of British Cycling and UKAD’s Trevor Pearce, both of whom took office earlier this year.

The move follows the publication in March of a report into combatting doping in sport compiled by the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee that was highly critical of British Cycling.

The governing body and UKAD say that issues that will be addressed over the coming year include:

Establishing a medical governance committee to provide check and challenge for the Great Britain Cycling Team’s medical support

Working with UKAD to establish roles and responsibilities for an ethical framework

Requiring event participants to access anti-doping education before entry

Launching a campaign to encourage reporting of anti-doping offences

Increasing investment in testing, including in-competition at flagship events

Holding regular data-sharing/analysis ‘summits’ with UKAD

Establishing further shared influence opportunities with UCI/WADA/UK Government

Adopting and developing disruption techniques

Appointing an anti-doping lead on the Rider Committee, working with board and executive leads to ensure rider interests are represented.

Announcing the partnership, Slevin said:“Our athletes, members, funders and the public deserve to have confidence in the cleanliness of the sport that they love, which is why we are proud to have initiated this partnership with UKAD today.

“It is vital that we begin to anticipate what will be needed to take forward the fight against doping in sport in the future, and we are delighted to be standing side by side with UKAD as we begin to tackle these issues and challenges together.”

Pearce added: “UKAD is delighted to link up with British Cycling in establishing this new strategic approach.

“We are keen to work in collaboration with National Governing Bodies and this demonstrates the commitment we share to tackle doping in sport.

“With the development of our new Assurance Framework as a key part of our new four-year strategy, which is effectively a ‘MOT’ this is an important step from British Cycling towards meeting the criteria.”