Cycling’s governing body has implemented a ban on the repeated use of carbon monoxide rebreathing, a method that has been misused by some athletes to enhance their performance unnaturally.
During an executive committee meeting in France on Saturday, the UCI confirmed its decision to prohibit the repeated inhalation of carbon monoxide, effective February 10. This move is aimed at safeguarding the well-being of riders throughout the sport.
However, the UCI clarified that the inhalation of carbon monoxide will still be permissible under specific circumstances—namely, when performed in a medical facility and overseen by a qualified medical professional experienced in utilizing the gas for legitimate medical purposes.
The use of carbon monoxide gained attention during the Tour de France when it was revealed by Escape Collective that various teams were utilizing this hazardous gas to enhance their altitude training strategies.
Carbon monoxide can serve as a tracer for gauging how efficiently oxygen diffuses in the lungs or for assessing the total hemoglobin mass, which is a crucial metric for competitive cyclists. Two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard recently expressed concerns over the practice, stating that individuals are reportedly using low doses of the gas regularly to achieve noteworthy boosts in performance.
In making this decision, the UCI cited significant health risks associated with the repeated inhalation of carbon monoxide outside of medical supervision, indicating potential acute and chronic health effects, which could include headaches, lethargy, nausea, dizziness, and confusion.
The UCI noted that such symptoms could escalate into more severe complications such as heart rhythm disturbances, seizures, paralysis, and even episodes of losing consciousness.
The newly established regulations prohibit the possession of commercially available carbon monoxide rebreathing devices and associated oxygen and CO cylinders outside medical environments. Under medical supervision, the UCI allows only one inhalation for measuring total hemoglobin mass, with a second inhalation permitted at least two weeks after the initial measurement.
“Our main priority is to ensure the health and safety of our athletes, and today’s decision marks a meaningful advancement in that effort,” stated UCI president David Lappartient.
While this method remains allowable under the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency, the UCI has sought to engage the organization to address this matter more comprehensively.
