British Cycling and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) have today launched a new partnership to shape the fight against doping in the sport.
The two organisations will work together to create innovative strategies to tackle cheats, and ensure public faith in cycling.
Announced during UKAD’s annual Clean Sport Week, the partnership is the first of its kind and is the initiative of the new chairs of British Cycling and UKAD, Frank Slevin and Trevor Pearce respectively. A working group has formed made of senior leads from both organisations and the first meeting has already taken place to agree key areas of focus, which over the coming year will 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
Work in several areas has already begun, including the announcement of a new Integrity and Compliance Director role at British Cycling and substantial changes to the provision of medical services for the Great Britain Cycling Team.
Commenting on the announcement, Frank Slevin, British Cycling’s Chair 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.”
Trevor Pearce CBE, UKAD’s Chair, 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.”
