The Athlete Biological Passport: A Deep Dive into Cycling’s Anti-Doping Tool

“We are seeing a major change at the top level of the sport. We’re all aware that cycling has a doping problem and for 40 years has been dealing with a doping problem.” That’s what former UCI president Pat McQuaid said in 2008 when the governing body rolled out its Athlete Biological Passport.

Eighteen years later, the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) has become a cornerstone of anti-doping efforts, adopted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and utilized across numerous endurance, strength, and track-and-field sports. Recent suspensions of entire pro cycling teams and high-profile cases like that of Red Bull racer Oier Lazkano demonstrate its continued relevance.

What is the Athlete Biological Passport?

The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is a long-term profile of an athlete’s blood, steroid, and endocrine markers, collected through in- and out-of-competition testing. It’s mandatory for all athletes racing in the men’s and women’s WorldTour and Pro Series cycling circuits, as well as those attempting the UCI Hour Record. UCI delegates all testing and results management to the International Testing Agency (ITA), an independent body overseeing anti-doping programs across many sports.

Key markers monitored include hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and testosterone levels. A recent addition to the ABP is an endocrinological module.

How the Biological Passport Works

The ABP operates on the principle of detecting atypical fluctuations or trends in an athlete’s biomarkers that would be unlikely to occur naturally. It uses an “adaptive model” creating individualized thresholds based on each athlete’s unique history. Algorithms flag anomalies, which are then reviewed by an independent “Athlete Panel Management Unit” comprised of physiology and medical experts.

If an anomaly is deemed suspicious, the case is escalated to WADA and the UCI, who then contact the rider for an explanation before potentially initiating disciplinary action. Sanctions can range from suspensions to disqualification.

Passport Violations: Not Always a “Gotcha” Moment

Unlike traditional doping tests that require a “positive” sample, the ABP relies on an “indirect” method of detection, which has been a source of controversy. Athletes aren’t necessarily caught with prohibited substances in their system, but rather flagged for suspicious biomarker patterns.

Athletes can appeal sanctions to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but the process can be costly. Cases like that of Simona Halep, a former No.1 tennis player, demonstrate that successful appeals are possible, often based on arguments of contamination. Although, athletes without the financial resources to pursue appeals may face significant consequences, as seen with the case of Franck Bonnamour, who retired after receiving an ABP violation due to the expense of mounting a defense.

The Importance of the Whereabouts System

The ABP is underpinned by a strict “whereabouts” system. Athletes must provide detailed information about their daily location for testing purposes, submitted through the Anti-Doping Administration and Management System (ADAMS). This includes specific time slots and travel details. The system has faced criticism for its intrusiveness and potential for disruption, with some, like riders’ union president Adam Hansen, suggesting GPS tracking as a possible alternative. Cyclingnews reported on this sentiment recently.

Biological Passport Cases: Beyond Cycling

The ABP has impacted numerous sports beyond cycling. Notable cases include those of swimmers, marathon runners, and tennis players. In cycling, athletes like Thomas Dekker, Danilo di Luca, Dennis Menchov, and Robert Stannard have been involved in high-profile ABP cases. The UCI’s “two strikes” rule, which can lead to the suspension of entire teams, has also resulted in bans for teams like Medellin and Feirense.

The Future of the ABP

While the ABP is considered a valuable tool, it’s not without limitations. Ongoing research focuses on refining algorithms, incorporating new biomarkers, and exploring the potential of artificial intelligence to detect subtle signs of manipulation. The UCI is currently trialing a “power passport” that tracks a rider’s training workload to assess the feasibility of their physiological development. Despite ongoing debate and challenges, the Athlete Biological Passport remains a critical component of the fight against doping in sport.

WTF are all the acronyms? Glossary of terms

• ABP: Athlete Biological Passport
• ADAMS: Anti-Doping Administration and Management System
• CAS: Court of Arbitration for Sport
• ITA: Independent Testing Agency
• UCI: International Cycling Union
• WADA: World Anti-Doping Agency