MEDICAL & ANTI-DOPING
Prohibited List Demystified: Your Guide to Clean Competition
Protecting clean sport requires teamwork, with everyone playing a role – athletes, coaches, support personnel, medical and technical teams, administrators, and all individuals involved in the game.
Cyclists are accountable for anything found in their system, regardless of how it got there or their intentions. Athletes and their support personnel should always ensure they are up-to-date with all available information on banned substances and methods, especially given the heightened risks in cycling. Knowledge and education serve as safeguards to prevent unintentional bans from the sport.
The Prohibited List
Anti-Doping
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes the Prohibited List annually, which can be found on the WADA website as well as on many sports organizations’ websites. Substances and methods may be added to the Prohibited List at any time, underscoring the importance of staying updated with all changes. The list is typically issued in October and becomes effective in January of the following year. Many Arab Anti-Doping Organizations make tremendous efforts to translate available information into Arabic.
The Saudi Anti-Doping Agency annually translates the banned substance list and publishes it on their website, “https://saadc.com,” to benefit Arab athletes. A copy of the translated list is made available there. Similarly, they are working to include Arabic language in educational materials. The Anti-Doping Code is also available in Arabic, translated by UAENADA, and published on the WADA website.
Checking Medications
Before taking any medication, whether prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter, cyclists must ensure it does not contain any banned substances. They can consult the team physician, supporting personnel, or reliable websites like the “Global DRO” for confirmation. However, athletes should exercise caution, as medications purchased in one country may contain different ingredients compared to the same branded medication in another country. This is particularly important when traveling for competitions. Athletes should refer to the Anti-Doping Organization in their country for more information.
Nutritional Supplements
There is a risk associated with nutritional supplements as they could be contaminated with banned substances. The Arab Cycling Federation’s medical committee always advises a food-first approach to nutrition to help athletes achieve their goals. This can be accomplished through planned programs with nutrition specialists in each country. Athletes should seek advice before taking any supplements.
Additionally, athletes can visit the Informed Sport website to check whether supplements have been batch-tested for banned substances.
Supplements can be checked additionally through visiting these website:
Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)
If an athlete has a medical condition that requires the use of a prohibited substance or method, they will need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). This should be checked with the team physician to determine whether the substance taken requires a TUE or not. Athletes can always approach the national Anti-Doping agency for more advice on TUE application criteria and the submission process.
Doping Control test during competition
Cyclists will be notified during the competition if they are subjected to Anti-Doping tests. Athletes should be aware of their rights and responsibilities, which will be explained by a Chaperone or Doping Control Officer. There are many videos available to guide athletes through the testing procedure.
