Cyclists will be banned from using controversial doping substances related to carbon monoxide in sports.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) announced in a press release that it will “propose to its Management Committee a ban on the use of carbon monoxide by cyclists for medical purposes.” The International Council will hold a meeting in Arras, France, on January 31 and February 1 to discuss the proposal and make it official.

This initiative is another step by the governing body of cycling to prohibit this technique, following a request to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in late November asking them to “take a stance” on the matter. The UCI has urged WADA to investigate the situation and determine appropriate actions.

The current Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar and two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard are among the cyclists known to have utilized this method, which is believed to affect the red blood cell levels in the bloodstream. Both have confirmed the use of this technique.

“Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odorless gas that often causes household accidents,” the UCI stated. “When inhaled in small doses and with strict safety measures, this gas is used in medicine as an indicator for measuring the diffusion of oxygen in the lungs or the total hemoglobin mass,” the statement continued.

“However, repeated inhalation for non-medical purposes can lead to side effects such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness,” concluded the governing body of cycling.

The use of this potentially lethal gas by at least three teams was revealed by the Escape Collective website during last year’s Tour de France. Reportedly, these teams include Israel PT, Pogacar's UAE Team, and Vingegaard's Visma Team. When asked about the use of carbon monoxide, Pogačar initially seemed unaware of the method but later admitted to having used it once under a doctor's supervision.

In cycling, some teams use a device called a “rebreather,” also known as a “gerringulator,” which allows for the control of carbon monoxide dosage. This method is said to optimize the physiological benefits of high-altitude training by increasing aerobic capacity. In other words, it mimics the effects of high-altitude training camps. However, the accompanying side effects that pose health risks to riders are the basis for the proposed ban.

On Thursday, December 12, the UCI stated that “the use of the substance in medical facilities, by qualified medical personnel, and solely for the assessment of total hemoglobin mass will remain permitted.”

The next step will be to await confirmation of the ban and then determine how to monitor and penalize improper use of this method. Ensuring compliance with the ban may be challenging, as it will require an approved testing method in accordance with WADA rules. Cases of abuse are likely to be uncovered only during police or media investigations or through whistleblower reports.

According to Cyclingnews, WADA informed Reuters that the misuse of carbon monoxide may fall under the category of “artificial enhancement of oxygen absorption, transportation, or delivery” in the list of prohibited substances and methods.

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