Cycling bans controversial use of carbon monoxide rebreathing

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Associated Press or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Cycling’s governing body, the UCI, has officially banned the repeated use of carbon monoxide (CO) rebreathing due to concerns over potential performance-enhancing effects and health risks
• The ban, which takes effect on February 10, prohibits cyclists from using the gas outside medical settings
• The practice gained attention during the 2024 Tour de France, with reports of multiple teams using CO inhalation for performance optimization

🔭 The context: CO rebreathing is medically used to measure hemoglobin levels but has been increasingly misused in cycling to artificially boost endurance
• Two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard spoke out last month, warning that some riders were exploiting the method for doping
• While still legal under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, the UCI is urging WADA to take action

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The ban highlights the ongoing battle against doping in professional sports, ensuring fair competition and athlete well-being
• It raises concerns about loopholes in anti-doping regulations, as emerging methods blur the lines between medical use and performance enhancement
• Ethical sports practices are crucial as cycling seeks to restore its reputation after past doping scandals

⏭️ What's next: The UCI will enforce strict regulations prohibiting CO rebreathing devices outside of medical facilities
• Cyclists will be allowed only one inhalation under medical supervision, with a minimum two-week gap before a second test
• The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is now under pressure to determine whether the method should be globally restricted

💬 One quote: “Our priority is to protect the health and safety of our athletes, and today’s decision is another significant step in this direction.” – David Lappartient, UCI President

📈 One stat: The new ban takes effect on February 10, 2025, with only medically supervised single-use permitted

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