UK SPORT BACKS ANTI-DOPING MEASURES

UK Sport, the national anti-doping organisation for the UK, has given its backing to the UCI?s efforts to tackle doping at the Tour de France, ahead of the Grand Depart in London. During the course of the weekend, UK Sport will support the Union Cycliste International - the sports governing body - with its testing as well as provide anti-doping education and advice through its 100% ME programme.

In the run up to, and during the race, the UCI will oversee a thorough testing programme in line with the standards set out in the World Anti-Doping Code. In addition, all riders competing on the Tour have been asked to sign their commitment to a ?New Cycling? ? a pledge to not contravene the UCI?s doping regulations.

?We support the efforts being made by the UCI to tackle the issue of doping, and particularly the proactive stance being taken by its President Pat McQuaid,? said John Scott, Director of Drug-Free Sport at UK Sport.

?There is clear evidence that mechanisms are being put in place to try and clean up the sport, and through the Tour coming to London we have the opportunity to engage with the cyclists and influence their attitudes to drug-free sport.?

UK Sport?s International division has supported costs of staging the Grand Depart to the tune of £500,000, and Scott confirmed that doping was discussed as part of the decision to award funds.

100% ME was launched by UK Sport in May 2005, with the long-term aim of ?creating a generation of sportsmen and women who know they don?t need to use Prohibited Substances or Methods to be successful?. Since its launch, over 25,000 athletes and support personnel have benefited from the programme, receiving up-to-date information and advice allowing them to make sensible, informed decisions about competing drug-free.

UK Sport's 100% ME website: www.100percentme.co.uk.

Union Cycliste International: www.uci.ch.