The Italian association of cycling medics (AIMEC) decided during a meeting this last weekend that, starting in 2007, there will be escorts for cyclists who have been called for post-race doping controls.
After a rider who has been named for a post-race control crosses the line there will be a person assigned, arranged by the race organizer, to make sure that the cyclist makes it to the proper location for testing. The purpose is to make sure the rider does not 'prepare' himself after being notified of the control (The notification usually occurs towards the end of a race.) during the time they are allowed to reach the control site.
The AIMEC meeting, attended by 100 medics, including President Massimo Besnati and scientific consultant for the UCI Mario Zorzoli, also proposed allowing for blood controls up to 30 minutes before a race start. Zorzoli announced that starting in 2007 there will be a lowering of the allowed testosterone level (following on the positive test by Landis at the Tour de France) and that Rinofluimucil, a nasal spray that contains Acetylcysteine, has been added to the list of banned substances.
Cyclingnews' recent coverage of 'Operación Puerto'
April 2, 2009 - Valverde indignant over possible suspension
April 1, 2009 - Valverde: Italy requests two-year suspension
March 13, 2009 - Le Monde newspaper hit with fine over Puerto allegations
March 2, 2009 - WADA president Fahey asks for Puerto evidence
February 24, 2009 - Spanish federation seeks access to Puerto blood bags
February 20, 2009 - CONI considers Valverde case while UCI awaits verdict
February 19, 2009 - Valverde under criminal investigation
February 11, 2009 - Valverde summonsed for Operación Puerto in Italy
February 8, 2009 - Eight charged in Operación Puerto
Cyclingnews' complete coverage of Operación Puerto
