The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is an individual, electronic record for each rider, in which the results of all doping tests collected in the framework of this program over a period of time are collated.
The passport for each rider contains the results of individual urine and blood tests, a haematological profile consisting of the combined results of haematological parameters analysed in a series of blood samples, and a steroid longitudinal profile consisting of the combined results of steroid levels in a series of urine samples. By tracking these parameters consistently through a rider’s career, it is possible to establish the haematological/steroid profile of a rider in order to establish his/her “normal” levels and thus emphasize possible variations.
This is an “indirect” method of doping detection. Any significant variation from the individual’s “normal” levels can then be assessed for possible manipulation. The use of this “indirect” detection method complements the “direct” detection method which consists in seeking traces of a prohibited substance or method in individual samples.
In accordance with anti-doping regulations and guidelines, all riders representing all disciplines in cycling can be subject to testing in the framework of the ABP programme.
Questions & Answers
What is the Athlete Biological Passport?
An Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is an individual, electronic record for each rider, in which the results of all doping tests collected in the framework of this programme over a period of time are collated. The passport for each rider contains:
When was the ABP introduced in cycling?
CADF, on behalf of the UCI, was one of the first amongst the international federations to introduce the use of the Athlete Biological Passport back in January 2008.
Who is running the ABP programme in cycling?
The management of the ABP programme is carried out by the CADF
The CADF then delegates a part to the Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) of Lausanne, Switzerland. The APMU is in charge of:
The cost of the programme is shared between the CADF stakeholders, including the UCI WorldTeams, UCI Professional Continental Teams, the UCI, race organisers and the riders.
Which riders have an ABP?
Any Rider can be tested and have his sample screened in the scope of the ABP. However, the following riders can be considered as being systematically part of the Biological Passport program:
What type of testing is conducted on riders in the ABP programme?
Each rider in the ABP programme will have:
When are the samples collected?
Blood and urine samples may be collected during a race, during preparation/training periods or during the non-competitive season. Riders should expect to be required to provide a blood or urine sample at any time of the year and in any place.
All samples will be collected by authorised Doping Control Officers (DCOs) working for the CADF (including Sample Collection Agencies) and National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs). Blood Collection Officers with appropriate qualifications approved by the CADF or the corresponding NADO will be appointed in case of blood collection.
What is a haematological profile?
The haematological profile is a series of tests from each rider organised into a profile which enables individual limits for each rider to be established. Each sample is compared with the rider’s own individual “normal” haematological levels. Any significant variations can then be assessed for possible blood manipulation.
The ABP haematological module has been in place since 2008 on the UCI’s anti-doping program.
The approach relies on the concept of “indirect” detection. Scientific experts will not actually “see” a banned substance in a sample. Instead, they will compare the parameters of the new sample to parameters measured in previous samples. In this way, fluctuations in the riders’ levels which may indicate manipulation can be identified. It is impossible for a rider to maintain a steady profile if he is manipulating his blood for performance enhancement and/or manipulating his blood to escape detection through a doping control.
How are blood samples collected for the haematological profile analysed?
This is described in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Athlete Biological Passport Operating Guidelines. The first version of this document was approved by the WADA Executive Board at their meeting in Stockholm on 1 December 2009. The CADF and the UCI were involved in drafting and finalising the Guidelines since cycling was the first sport to introduce the biological passport.
Blood samples are analysed and the results examined in three steps as follows:
For any ATPF generated by the haematological module of the Adaptive Model, the rider’s profile is first sent by the independent APMU in Lausanne to an Independent Expert. The Expert, who has knowledge in one or more of the fields of clinical haematology, sports medicine or exercise physiology, must review the rider’s profile and respond back to the APMU which will trigger further action.
For any ATPF generated by the steroidal module of the Adaptive Model for a result rendered by a Laboratory, the corresponding sample will undergo additional analysis (e.g. IRMS analysis).
All ABP data within the haematological module is managed through ADAMS and therefore subject to constant review by WADA. It ensures compliance to WADA standards, full confidentiality and transparency.
Can the haematological profile be used to open a “doping case”?
Yes. The haematological profile opens new doors in the detection of riders who choose to manipulate their blood to illegally enhance their performance.
The scientific assessment of a rider’s profile applies similar principles to those used in forensic medical science to determine the likelihood of guilt. If the Expert Panel assesses, considering the information within the athlete’s passport, that it is highly likely that a prohibited Substance or Method has been used and highly unlikely that it is the result of any other cause, the APMU will declare an Adverse Passport Finding to the CADF, informing also WADA, and the rider will be granted an opportunity to provide an alternative explanation before opening possible disciplinary proceedings for an anti-doping rule violation.
If the Scientific Expert Panel does not accept the rider’s explanation, or if the rider fails to provide an alternative explanation, the UCI will open a case of an asserted anti-doping rule violation against the rider.
What is a steroid longitudinal profile?
The development of a steroid longitudinal profile follows the same principles as the haematological profile, except that the matrix of analysis is urine.
Urine samples are collected from riders and analysed following the normal procedures. In addition to analysing the sample for the full range of prohibited substances, WADA-accredited laboratories have been obliged to upload the steroidal values into ADAMS since 1 January 2014.
Once sufficient steroid values have been uploaded into ADAMS, the Adaptive Model will be applied to determine possible variations in the longitudinal profile through the use of endogenous (naturally occurring) steroids such as testosterone and/or its precursors.
The steroidal module was also introduced on 1 January 2014 into ADAMS. All ABP data within the steroidal module is managed through ADAMS and therefore subject to constant review by WADA. It ensures compliance to WADA standards, full confidentiality and transparency.
How important is whereabouts information?
The provision of accurate and timely whereabouts information is critical to the success of this program. High quality, no-advance-notice testing can only occur when we know where to find the rider.
The riders in the ABP program will be held individually responsible for providing their daily location details every three months. They must also ensure updates to their location are provided to the CADF in due time.
For the provision of whereabouts information, riders are using ADAMS or the system implemented by their NADO.
All the teams participating in the ABP programme are also using ADAMS to provide their program of races. ADAMS is a worldwide database maintained by WADA which ensures rider’s confidentiality and minimum duplication of effort.
Is the UCI biological passport a success?
Yes. The biological passport has been a great step forward. It is part of the continuous efforts being undertaken to eliminate doping from cycling.
The UCI was the first international sports federation to introduce the biological passport in 2008 and was the first federation to sanction riders through anti-doping procedures based solely on biological passport evidence. The biological passport marked a crucial turning point in the fight against doping:
For further information about the ABP programme, please do not hesitate to contact the CADF at:
Information about the ABP programme can be accessed by clicking on the following links:
WADA:
Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation
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Switzerland
