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- Should successful athletes have to pay back the AIS 10 Jun 2009
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- Trailblazer Natasha leaves lasting legacy 29 Jun 2008
- Heavy hitters boost our World Cup hopes 01 Jun 2008
- Youth Forum Discussion Paper 17 May 2008
- We can't take sport for granted 11 May 2008
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- Let the Games begin with all our athletes 30 Mar 2008
- Proud past but future a challenge for women 09 Mar 2008
- Young people will be heard at highest level 17 Feb 2008
- Our nation has changed dramatically in three weeks 16 Dec 2007
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- Full Fees 03 Jun 2007
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- Dental 08 Jan 2006
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Media Releases
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 200816 Jan 2009 - Every Athlete Will be Tested at Tour Down Under
Federal Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis announced today that The Tour Down Under anti-doping program will subject athletes and their support personnel to the most robust anti-doping program ever conducted at a cycling event held in Australia.
The program will be implemented by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) in close partnership with the International Cycling Union (UCI) and event organisers, Events South Australia.
Minister Ellis said ASADA, in partnership with the UCI, will be using every measure at their disposal to deter doping at this prestigious event.
"We are implementing world-best practices to protect the integrity of Australia's premier cycling event.
"Fans of the Tour Down Under can rest assured that this will be one of the most scrutinised cycling events in the world," Ms Ellis said.
The comprehensive anti-doping program announced today includes a number of key elements including:
blood profiling of every cyclist before the event as part of the UCI's Biological Passport Program
comprehensive and targeted blood and urine testing before and during the event, including screening for EPO (Erythropoietin) and its variants including CERA.
human growth hormone (HGH) testing and in-competition blood profiling of selected cyclists
placing selected urine and blood samples in ASADA's deep freeze storage facility, the Tank, which is used to store samples for future testing with new technology
sharing intelligence with the Australian Customs Service to enhance the interception at the border of any prohibited substances destined for the Tour Down Under.
Minister Ellis also praised the dedication and cooperation of the UCI in this event.
"The tough anti-doping measures at the Tour Down Under sends a clear message that doping in cycling can not and will not be tolerated", Ms Ellis said.
UCI Anti-Doping Manager, Anne Gripper said she was pleased to see the UCI, ASADA and the event organisers working so closely together and indicated that this was a model for on-going cooperation between international sport and governments.
"The measures being put into place by ASADA to protect the Tour Down Under from doping are a demonstration of what can be achieved when sports and governments work together," Ms Gripper said.
"The UCI is absolutely committed to eliminating doping from our sport and we are pleased to partner with such a determined anti-doping body such as ASADA to protect the integrity of cycling in Australia."
The Australian Government is committed to the fight against doping in sport and since 1st January 2009 Australia has held a position on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Executive Committee, with Minister Ellis representing the Oceania Region.