MPCC has no plans to call for ban on carbon monoxide rebreathers in cycling

The Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC) is currently not advocating for new regulations against the use of carbon monoxide breathers, a practice that has sparked discussions during the Tour de France after an Escape Collective report was released during the second week of the race.

The carbon monoxide breather device allows for precise dosing into the lungs to measure haemoglobin levels. However, there are concerns that this practice could potentially be exploited for performance enhancement.

Several teams, including UAE Team Emirates, Visma-Lease a Bike, and Israel-Premier Tech, have confirmed having access to the equipment but state that they use it to monitor blood values rather than to artificially improve performance.

Yellow jersey wearer Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) initially downplayed questions about the practice during the Tour but later admitted to using a carbon monoxide rebreather to measure haemoglobin mass at the start of an altitude camp.

Jonas Vingegaard also acknowledged using the device, explaining its purpose as measuring haemoglobin levels in the blood, emphasizing that there is nothing suspicious about its use.

The use of carbon monoxide rebreathers is not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and MPCC president Roger Legeay stated that the organization currently has no plans to advocate for measures against its use in professional cycling. Twelve teams participating in the 2024 Tour are members of the MPCC, including Israel-Premier Tech.

Legeay commented, “We are discussing a hypothetical rather than a suspicious situation, so caution is necessary. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that it is being used for performance enhancement purposes, so it is not a priority at this time.”

MPCC members follow additional voluntary anti-doping regulations, such as a ban on ketones and cortisone use in competition. The MPCC also played a role in lobbying the UCI to ban Tramadol in competition, with WADA implementing the ban earlier this year.

Established in July 2007 in response to doping scandals in that year’s Tour de France, the MPCC has been influential in promoting anti-doping measures in cycling. Many Tour de France winners in the past 17 years have faced questions about their credibility.

Questions about the credibility of the sport arose during the recent Tour, particularly after exceptional performances in the mountains. The MPCC emphasizes the importance of leading riders taking an active role in addressing concerns about the credibility of cycling.

Legeay stated, “Suspicion cannot be entirely eliminated as it will always exist in society. However, proactive anti-doping efforts can help reduce suspicion. Merely passing anti-doping controls is not sufficient to dispel doubts, as seen in cases like Lance Armstrong, who had numerous negative tests but was later found guilty of doping.”

“The MPCC goes beyond standard UCI rules and actively combats doping. Our longstanding rules have proven effective in fighting against doping. Taking an active stance against doping and adhering to our regulations is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the sport,” Legeay concluded.

The 12 MPCC teams participating in the 2024 Tour de France are listed as Cofidis, TotalEnergies, Lotto-Dstny, Uno-X Mobility, Israel-Premier Tech, Groupama-FDJ, Arkéa-B&B Hotels, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Intermarché-Wanty, EF Education-EasyPost, Decathlon-AG2R, and DSM-Firmenich-PostNL.

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