Superstar Rasmus Vingegaard used the controversial method. © APA/afp / MIGUEL RIOPA

World Cycling Federation bans controversial method used by Vingegaard & Co.

The world cycling association UCI bans the carbon monoxide method, which is also used by superstars Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard.

02. February 2025

From: dpa/sn

The ban, which has been discussed for months and is intended to protect the health of riders, will come into force on February 10, the UCI announced. However, the ban will still be possible in medical facilities.

The use of carbon monoxide, which is poisonous in large quantities, caused controversy at the Tour de France last year. It came to light at the time that some teams were using devices that measured hemoglobin concentration and blood volume. On the other hand, these carbon monoxide rebreathing devices also made it possible to inhale the gas in small quantities, which studies have shown can improve performance.

Health damage through inhalation

However, according to the UCI, repeated inhalation can "lead to acute and chronic health problems, such as headaches, lethargy, nausea, dizziness and confusion". Such symptoms could therefore "worsen at any time and lead to cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, paralysis and loss of consciousness".

The world association has also officially asked the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to comment on the use of the carbon monoxide method inside and outside of competitions.