UCI: The UCI Management Committee adopts strengthened Code of Ethics, approves term limits for UCI President

 

>>> UCI Code of Ethics, Stand 3.6.2016

* Code of Conduct for UCI Pro Teams

 

The IO Team was aware that in 2004 a Code of Conduct was agreed by ProTeams to demonstrate their commitment to and adherence with the UCI Rules, specifically as they related to the health of riders and anti-doping regulations. The Code highlighted a number of areas where ProTeams would ‘strictly comply’, notably that UCI ProTeams undertake to:

 

• Without prejudice to the right to terminate the contract for serious misconduct, not to enter any licence-holder for events who is subject to disciplinary proceedings for a breach of the UCI anti-doping regulations, by any competent body under the World Anti-Doping Code (Article VIII)

15 For a number of National Federations (eg. Italy, UK, USA) this jurisdiction is delegated to the National Federation’s National Anti-Doping Organisation

TdF2010 Final IO Report 33

 

• Without prejudice to the right to terminate the contract for serious misconduct, not to enter any licence-holder for events who is subject to judicial proceedings or investigation for facts relating to sporting activity, or any act constituting a breach of the UCI anti-doping regulations, or any other intentional criminal act (Article IX)

 

The UCI informed the IO Team that this Code was an informal arrangement among the ProTeams and was never included in UCI regulations. Interestingly the Code does not seem to appear on either the UCI’s website or the website of the Tour. It is therefore the conclusion of the IO Team that the Code is now not observed by teams competing in the Tour and is an obsolete agreement. The reason the Code came to the attention of the IO Team was that during the Tour there were a number of public statements related to investigations into riders competing on the Tour. While it is acknowledged that none of these investigations had reached a formal stage, it was clear to the IO Team that the value of reinvigorating the Code would have substantial benefits to the UCI, ASO, participating teams and clean riders. In addition, the matter of the Code was informally discussed a number of times with representatives of the ProTeams.

 

Firstly, from what the IO Team observed, the UCI is highly unlikely to be successful in tackling doping in the sport of cycling without the active and committed involvement of the ProTeams. As stated previously, the IO Team did receive a number of positive comments about the IO Team’s presence on the Tour and is of the view that there are not an insignificant number of teams who would support a more committed and unified stance against doping by all ProTeams thereby assisting the UCI.

 

Secondly, the ASO has a significant vested interest in ensuring that the integrity of the Tour is maintained. A Code would allow the ASO to play a more active role in anti-doping by providing them a mechanism to challenge teams who are less committed than others to anti-doping efforts. In the same way, a Code would allow owners of ProTeams to reinforce the value of clean sport and provide clear expectations related to who they employ as riders and support staff. Finally, it is clear that many riders want the Tour to be seen as clean, want their performances to be recognised as those of clean riders and a Code would again reinforce their ongoing commitment to ensuring that continual progress is made in the area of anti-doping at the sport largest event.

 

Recommendation 44: The UCI should reinvigorate discussions regarding a code or standard of conduct for ProTeams with the intention of establishing a mutually agreement before the next season of Grand Tours.