Will Readhead

Anti-Doping

Rider Education

Team GB coaches undertake regular off-bike educational workshops as part of the Rider Route Programme, and these start with its youngest level of youth development; the Regional Schools of Racing.

One such workshop is “Anti-doping in Sport” and it is possibly the first time that riders will be introduced to the subject of doping. Not all youth riders or racing adults, for that matter, get to experience this workshop and so this summary of information has been reproduced to assist any competing rider.

If you are racing in any Open Race Event, you could be requested to supply a sample for testing before or after competition. Drug testing can occur at any time and it is important to know that ‘In Competition’ includes the period up to 12 hours before the scheduled event. Rdiers must understand that they alone are responsible (strict liability) for any banned substance found within their body no matter how it may have got there.

Since many banned substances can be obtained in non-prescription medication, ‘over the counter’ medication it is important that all those actively racing need to be vigilant and remain informed.

Additional Information

Below are some useful sources of information. If you are unsure, please speak to a coach in the first instance. 

The body responsible in the UK for all matters drug related is UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and contact information and further details can be found at:

UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) 

Contact information & advice produced by British Cycling can be found at:

British Cycling Compliance Team

Further information can also be found with:

The Prohibited List

The Real World Prohibited List

  • www.globaldro.com is a search facility that assists with identifying products that may be banned or include banned substances.
  • You can search by the Country you are in (some products may have different ingredients between Countries), User type, Sport type & the place purchased. Each search records your visit and gives a reference and time & if the product you are searching for doesn’t appear then search for all the ingredients separately.

Supplement Advice

  • As with medication it is important to understand the ingredients in supplements but also understand the possibilities of cross contamination and www.informed-sport.com is another search facility.
  • Periodic testing of products is conducted and you can view a list of batch numbers tested. If the batch you have matches that of the test this can minimises the risk but it is important to know that even with these safeguards contamination can still take place and the responsibility still rests with the rider.
  • Many facilities manufacturing supplements can share facilities and cross contamination is possible. As a consequence, always consider the product visibility, i.e. is it a known manufacturer, how has it been supplied etc. Be aware of risks with unknown brands or purchased from unknown sources. Many manufactures will have advice about the manufacture of their products on their website.

100% ME Clean Sport App

  • The place for all things anti-doping, helping you make the right decisions on the go. The App provides clear and concise anti-doping advice, guidance and updates to ensure you can be clean and stay clean wherever you are training or competing. Learn more about the risks with supplements or simply understand more about the testing procedures and your rights as an athlete. 
  • The 100% me Clean Sport App is available for both iOS (Apple) or Android devices and can be downloaded for free via iTunes or Google Play.

Coach Development & Support