International Conference on Doping Prevention: UCI congratulated by World Anti-Doping

[Zam_Olyas]

http://bit.ly/wBbxs5

20.02.2012

The International Cycling Union (UCI) made two presentations during the third International Conference on Doping Prevention which was held in Tunisia over three days.

The conference’s first session dealt with the topic: “Prevention in anti-doping fight programmes: should we change anti-doping strategies?”

The UCI’s Scientific Adviser, Dr Mario Zorzoli talked to the participants about the UCI’s ongoing Education and Prevention Programme. This already includes initiatives such as the educational and interactive anti-doping programme “True Champion or Cheat?”, the
No Needle Policy, which prohibits the use of any injections unless there is a clear medical indication for them, and the new regulation banning any rider who has been found guilty of doping from taking up another role within cycling.

The UCI plans to continue this programme with the partnership of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), National Federations and other partners. The aim is to educate athletes, and their entourage, from as young as 14 years old, but focusing on juniors and Under-23 riders. The programme would include more interactive games, certification of the riders’ entourage, the organisation of conferences and face to face meetings.

“We can influence changes and instil values of fair play and doping-free sport to make the right decisions,” said Dr Zorzoli.

During his presentation to the conference, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Director of Education and Programme Development Rob Koehler congratulated the UCI for its work in the anti-doping field. He not only praised the UCI’s investment in terms of its testing programme and biological passport, but in particular its decision to invest in an education programme, which it is currently working on expanding.

The conference, which finished at the weekend, was addressed by speakers from International Sporting Federations, anti-doping organisations, academics, researchers and doctors. In his second presentation, Dr Zorzoli addressed the topic “Nutritional Supplements in competitive sport.”