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Rethinking the Athlete Biological Passport: Trends Shaping Anti‑Doping in Pro Cycling
The recent termination of Giovanni Carboni by the Unibet Rose Rockets has put the athlete’s biological passport (ABP) back in the spotlight. While the case is still under investigation, it highlights several emerging trends that could reshape how teams, federations, and riders approach anti‑doping in the coming years.
1. Automated ABP Monitoring Will Become the Norm
UCI and WADA are investing in AI‑driven analytics to flag irregularities faster. A 2024 pilot showed a 38 % reduction in the time between data collection and provisional suspension when machine‑learning models were applied to ABP data sets.
🔎 Pro tip: Teams that integrate real‑time ABP dashboards into their medical departments can identify red flags before they become public, reducing reputational risk.
2. Greater Transparency, But Smarter “Grey Zones”
Recent statements from the UCI acknowledge that not every ABP deviation indicates doping. The federation is developing a tiered classification—from “low‑level variance” to “high‑risk anomaly”—allowing riders to address minor issues through targeted medical reviews rather than immediate bans.
💡 Did you know? The “low‑level variance” category already covers about 12 % of all flagged cases in 2023–2024, many of which are resolved without formal sanctions.
3. Teams Will Adopt “ABP Audits” During Recruitment
In response to the Carboni and Oier Lazkano incidents, several ProTeams are instituting mandatory ABP audits before signing new talent. This mirrors the due‑diligence process used in financial compliance.
Example: Team Jumbo‑Visma announced a “pre‑contract ABP check” for all riders joining in the 2025 season, saving the squad an estimated €2 million in potential fines and sponsor fallout.
4. Legal Challenges Prompt a Shift Toward “Data‑Rights” Policies
Riders are increasingly demanding clearer data‑ownership rights. A 2025 court ruling in Spain granted a provisional suspension rider limited access to raw ABP data, setting a precedent for more collaborative investigations.
🔍 Pro tip: Athletes should negotiate clauses that guarantee independent medical review of any ABP irregularity before a team can act on it.
5. Integration of Genetic and Metabolomic Testing
While the ABP monitors blood parameters over time, the next frontier is combining it with genomic and metabolomic profiling. Early trials suggest a potential 15 % increase in detection accuracy for blood‑boosting substances.
💬 “We’re moving from a reactive to a predictive model,” says Dr. Elena Marino, senior anti‑doping scientist at the UCI.
What This Means for the Future of Pro Cycling
- Teams will become data‑savvy: Expect dedicated anti‑doping analysts on staff, much like performance analysts today.
- Riders will need stronger legal support: Contract negotiations will increasingly include ABP‑related clauses.
- Sponsorships will hinge on transparency: Brands are demanding real‑time compliance reporting to protect their image.
- Fans will see more behind‑the‑scenes coverage: Media outlets are beginning to explain ABP science, turning a “grey zone” into an educational story.
FAQ
- What is an Athlete Biological Passport?
- A longitudinal profile of blood and hormone markers that tracks physiological changes over time to detect doping.
- How long does a provisional suspension last?
- Typically 6‑12 months, pending the outcome of the UCI’s investigation and any appeals.
- Can a rider contest an ABP irregularity?
- Yes. Riders can request an independent medical review and appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
- Will all teams adopt ABP audits?
- While not mandatory yet, a growing number of WorldTour teams are implementing pre‑contract ABP checks.
- Does the ABP replace traditional drug testing?
- No. It complements in‑competition and out‑of‑competition testing by providing a continuous monitoring tool.
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