Although the global coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak has brought the curtain down on professional racing, the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF), which is responsible for anti-doping control, has confirmed that out-of-competition testing will continue in some form, whenever possible.

Priority will be given to elite-level riders on the UCI Registered Testing Pool (RTP), particularly those on what the CADF calls "urgent missions."

While the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) have announced that they will reduce the number of anti-doping controls as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the CADF is concerned that with countries on lockdown and travel restrictions in place, its operations will Without clarifying how it has been affected, it simply stated: "The CADF is closely monitoring developments with the aim of continuing its work to protect clean cycling in the midst of the coronavirus epidemic.

The CADF stated that it is adapting its anti-doping testing processes and programs to be in line with government measures and guidance received from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

In its letter, WADA acknowledges that many anti-doping laboratories have been closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak and that closed borders may prevent the shipment of samples. If problems arise, they suggest that urine samples be frozen and blood samples not be collected unless transport can adhere to a specific time frame

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WADA has identified the need to update whereabouts information so that athletes can be available for testing even though their homes are sealed off due to local codes and laws regarding travel restrictions to combat Covid-19. Athletes should have up-to-date Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for banned substances that they need to consume for treatment.

Refusal to submit to an anti-doping test will be treated in the normal manner, with the risk of suspension for unreasonable refusal.

"In the event of continued testing, priority will be given to riders on the UCI Registered Testing Pool (RTP), especially riders on emergency missions. In all inspections, safety measures will be enhanced to protect the health of cyclists, their entourage and Doping Control Officers (DCOs) in accordance with WADA guidance," the CADF said in a statement.

"Cyclists included in the UCI RTP will be required to continue to submit and update their whereabouts information in accordance with the UCI Anti-Doping and Testing and Investigation Rules.

"Our first priority is the health and welfare of cyclists, their entourage, and sample collection personnel. Therefore, our revised inspection program takes into consideration:

"i. International races that are postponed or cancelled; ii. countries that have been identified as hazardous by the WHO and for which governmental restrictions have been imposed; and iii. a list of WADA-accredited laboratories that have ceased operations;"

"iii.

On March 20, WADA issued eight pages of guidance to Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) and Athletes "to protect the health and safety of Sample Collection Personnel, Athletes and all persons involved in the process."

These include respect for social distance, use of masks and gloves, and cleanliness of all areas where testing takes place.