We are Drug Free Athletes
Team Medscheme, one of the top professional cycling teams in South Africa, participates in the sport subject to the rules of the UCI, the International Cycling Body. Under these rules, we are tested by the National Doping Agency, Drug Free Sport at regular intervals to ensure that we keep the sport of Professional Cycling clean.
Taking a leadership role in the fight against doping, each member of
our team adheres to a strict code of conduct through our independent
anti-doping program. We are a strong supporter of the ADAMS program and take concrete action toward ensuring clean
competition. The testing keeps us more informed about the conduct
and health of our athletes, ensuring the future of the team and the
future of the sport.
Sample reports from Drug Free Sport
Drug Free Sport
T
he South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) is a public entity established by an Act of Parliament, Act No. 14 of 1997,
“To promote participation in sport free from the use of
prohibited substances or methods intended to artificially enhance
performance, thereby rendering impermissible doping practices which are
contrary to the principles of fair play and medical ethics, in the
interest of the health and well-being of sportspersons; and to provide
for matters connected therewith”.
The Drug-Free Sport Act grants the Institute statutory drug testing
powers and the authority to conduct and enforce a national anti-doping
programme. By virtue of the Institute’s legislative ambit, national
sports federations are obligated to co-operate with the Institute.
Since 1998 SAIDS has:
- Provided leadership in the development of a national anti-doping strategy in sport.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive drug testing programme
that includes all South Africa’s major sporting codes and conforms to
the highest international standards of the industry.
- Provided education and information on drugs in sport to all its target markets
- Consulted to other African countries on building capacity towards developing an anti-doping infrastructure on the continent.
- Collaborated with other national anti-doping agencies throughout
the world to achieve international harmonisation and improvement of
standards and practices in anti-doping
The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport is an organisation
not for gain. As such no dividends are declared to any members or
outside parties and all funds received are utilised for the furtherance
of the Institute’s objectives as outlined in Section 10 of the South
African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Act No. 14 of 1997.
The Institute for Drug-Free Sport receives the majority of its funding from Sport and Recreation South Africa.
World Anti Doping Agency
Under the World Anti-Doping Code (Code)—the document which
harmonizes the rules relating to doping in all sport—WADA has an
obligation to coordinate anti-doping activities and to provide a
mechanism to assist stakeholders with their implementation of the Code.
The Anti-Doping Administration & Management System (ADAMS) was
developed for this purpose. It is a web-based database management
system that simplifies the daily activities of all stakeholders and
athletes involved in the anti-doping system. Not only is it easy to
use, but also it is free to WADA’s stakeholders in English, French,
Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian and Arabic (local costs may apply),
increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the fight against doping
in sport. ADAMS’ multi-level access system protects the security and
confidentiality of data.
ADAMS has four primary functions addressing the key activities of anti-doping operations:
Athlete Whereabouts
The web-based functionality
allows athletes to enter their information from anywhere in the world;
and those without internet access may designate a representative such
as their anti-doping organization (ADO) to enter the information for
them. This function also helps stakeholders share whereabouts
information, crucial for maximizing the surprise effect and the
efficiency of unannounced out-of-competition testing. Athletes can also
modify their whereabouts by sending SMS messages.
Information Clearing House
The clearing house is
where all data is stored, in particular lab results, Therapeutic Use
Exemption (TUE) authorizations and anti-doping rules violations. It
permits the sharing of information among the relevant organizations and
guarantees that anti-doping activities are performed with the highest
level of transparency.
Doping Control Platform
The ADAMS doping control
database provided to ADOs is an essential tool for managing a doping
control program, both in- and out-of-competition. Stakeholders can use
ADAMS to plan, coordinate, and order tests, as well as manage test
results. Coordination of doping control programs in the ADAMS system
helps to avoid duplication in doping controls.
TUE Management
ADAMS allows for online management of TUE requests, as well as online notification of those involved in the process.
Bike Pure
OUR MISSION:
Bike Pure
aims to protect the integrity of cycling and promote clean cyclesport.
Cycling fans worldwide deserve heroes they can believe in. Supporters
want a clean sport and the professional riders need their credibility
back. Bike Pure are lobbying for stiffer penalties for offenders - 4
year ban minimum and life bans forrepeat offenders. It is through the
actions and support of our members that we can apply pressure on
authorities for these measures to be implicated.
WHO:
Bike Pure is an independent, non profit organisation, committed to
redirecting trust to Professional cycle sport. Bike Pure is an umbrella
group for all concerned parties in cyclesport. A medium to let the
fans, riders, teams and cycle trade join together in a united stance
for an new era of clean cycling.
WHY:
For
decades cycling has had a problem with endemic drug use. The dopers
have reduced the public image of cycling to tatters and disappointed
the supporters. Although the sport is cleaning up, some riders still
cheat using artificial, performance enhancing methods. If a
Professional cyclist does an outstanding ride instantly we question
"What is he on’? such is the abuse. Not good enough. Clean up or clear
out. We desire a truly clean sport, with real riders that the fans,
sponsors and media can have faith in.
HOW:
Through
Through media pressure and rider and fan support Bike Pure shall
encourage the athletes and teams to sign an 'Honour Code’, declaring
that they race clean, without performance enhancing drugs and with a
pledge that will encourage our sport to flourish. If any rider should
be deemed positive, Bike Pure encourages the introduction of a life ban
from cycle sport and move forward, forgetting the doper and focusing
the media attention on passion and results.
We
believe it is only through the adoption of stiffer penalties that
riders will think twice about doping. Bike Pure want a 4 year ban
minimum and life bans for repeat offenders. Riders responsible for
their own behaviour, their sponsors can have faith that their
investment is safe, and the public can have confidence in the results
if they are clean.
We are not naive to think this is a complete solution, but it is an
important first element getting the clean riders to joining forces with
the supporters and laying a foundation for the future.
Bike Pure is non profit and operates through the donations of
individuals who support us. If you wish to make a donation to our
campaign then please visit our donation page.
All donations will receive the Bike Pure wristband and Bike Pure
headset spacer and help us to continue our campaign in the fight
against drugs in cycling.