Cycling to step up war on drugs

Landis's positive test for testosterone hit cycling hard

Cycling chiefs will launch a new zero tolerance "100% against doping" programme in Paris on Friday.

A Spanish probe into doping and 2006 Tour de France winner Floyd Landis's positive test for testosterone has left the sport's reputation battered.

But the International Cycling Union (UCI) wants to clean up cycling's image and said in a statement: "The future of our sport is at stake.

"The programme will restore the trust of all associated with the sport."

Under the UCI initiative all riders on the ProTour will face random drugs tests during training and rest periods.

If cycling continues on that path they will finally be able to gain control of the scourge of doping IOC chief Jacques Rogge

There will also be out-of-competition blood tests to detect blood manipulation and the use of blood-boosting drug EPO.

Riders will also be required to authorise DNA tests to identify them if banned substances are found in their system. A blood profile of each rider will also be recorded.

The UCI believes the new programme will be the most effective anti-doping scheme in sport and will rid cycling of cheats.

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, who has defended cycling in the past, has welcomed the news.

"The UCI has just started to implement a new doping plan which is excellent and which I approve of," said Rogge.

"If it continues on that path they will finally be able to gain control of the scourge of doping."

All of the ProTour teams will have to abide by the rules and partly fund the scheme at a cost of around £20,500 each year.