UCI Launches Global Anti-doping Education Programme

Posted 29 Sept 2009

Link: British Cycling Anti-Doping Home

The UCI has launched its global anti-doping education programme. The programme 'True Champion or Cheat? It's Your Choice...' has been produced by Transform according to the World Anti-Doping Code.

It provides an online learning tool for the UCI family from athletes at all levels to team managers, coaches, parents, administrators, etc and creates a learning community in order for them to better understand the risks and dangers of taking drugs in sport. The programme will be compulsory for athletes in the registered testing pool and freely available for National Federations to distribute to its members.

"The UCI has actively and publicly tackled the issue of doping within cycling for several years now. Education is fundamental in our strategy to eradicate doping cheats from our beloved sport. 'True Champion or Cheat? It's Your Choice...' is an important step in our anti-doping programme as we continue to strive for drug free cycling at all levels" stated Mr Pat McQuaid, UCI President.

Mrs Anne Gripper, UCI Anti-Doping Manager further commented on "the importance for all individuals and organisations involved with cycling to cultivate a culture of drug free cycling. This programme complements our innovative testing programme and provides an important tool freely available for the cycling family."

The programme provides an interactive learning experience which is available online, in DVD format and also as a download. Users are immersed in real life situations and tested through engaging exercises. 'True Champion or Cheat? It's Your Choice...' has been developed in five languages including English, Spanish, French, German and Italian. Additional languages will be made available.

In its commitment to further advance the sport at the highest level, the UCI also launched the Director Sportif Programme. Developed by the UCI Academy, the intensive programme has been specifically designed for Director Sportifs within ProTeams and Pro Continental Teams. The programme will be run at the conclusion of each season and provide an important platform for Director Sportifs to enhance planning and delivery throughout the following season.

Mr Chris Solly, Director UCI Academy, was "delighted with the launch of the 'True Champion or Cheat? It's Your Choice...' and the Director Sportif Programmes. The UCI Academy actively supports and pursues initiatives which can assist the development of cycling around the World in the long term. The Academy fully supports the UCI in its vision to develop cycling worldwide and to promote true champions."

"Education of the nature launched today sets global standards in both athlete and administrator education and work towards the aim of further developing the sport of cycling."

The programme platform can be accessed from the UCI Academy website and the UCI website