Q: What does the Agency for Cycling Ethics do?

The Agency for Cycling Ethics provides an anti-doping monitoring program for professional cycling teams and their athletes. We are an independent organization comprised of laboratory, collection, and technology resources led by a team of scientific experts eager to reinvent the sport of cycling.

Q: How do the Riders and ACE interact on a day-to-day basis?

Endorsed by Team Management, ACE’s relationship with the Riders ensures that the program’s logistics function smoothly. There is constant communication between ACE Logistics Coordinators and Riders via SMS/Text Messaging, email, and verbal communication. This component is the vital responsibility of both parties in order to maintain the accuracy of our online Rider location database. The Ace Logistics Coordinators are the Riders’ contacts for all necessary information allowing the Riders to efficiently complete their roles in the program.

Q: How are collections conducted around the world?

Collections are scheduled and performed either using ACE collectors or fixed site locations. Urine and blood specimens are obtained on a random but frequent schedule. Our collection and laboratory resources are located in the U.S. and Europe. We rely on technology and the internet to tie the ACE logistics network infrastructure together. With modern day electronic communications, this part of our operation is easy to maintain.

Q: How do you keep track of so many Riders and ensure they all test?

The logistical operation behind the ACE program uses technology to its maximum benefit. Our online data management tool provides real-time information to our Logistics Team. The ACE Logistics Coordinators rely heavily on SMS/Text Messaging, as well as email and verbal communications. This is one of the most challenging areas that affect the success of the program.

Q: How does the testing work?

We have two methods of result analysis incorporated into our anti-doping program. We test urine for all banned substances including anabolic steroids. If an adverse analytical finding occurs, we make conclusive statements regarding the use of performance enhancing substances by the Rider.

Also, we look at bio-markers in a Rider’s blood and urine. These are physiologic tests that monitor the affects of performance enhancing substances and methods. We look for abnormal patterns of these bio-markers over time that would suggest the use of performance enhancing substances or methods.

Q: Who has access to the test results?

Communications of results are not provided directly to Riders but to designated members of Team Management. They may share this information with a Rider when investigating code of conduct and/or medical issues. This chain of communication helps the program act as a behavioral deterrent from the use of performance enhancing substances and methods.

Q: What happens when ACE has a concern about the test results of a Rider?

If we recognize an abnormality in the pattern of a Rider’s biomarker, we communicate these specific concerns to Team Management. The Rider is pulled from future competition. He is informed by Team Management that there are abnormalities in his bio-markers but given no further details. ACE repeats the Rider’s bio-marker testing and performs supplemental testing looking specifically at the type of suspected performance enhancing substance or method use. Depending on the outcome of this investigative process, the Rider either returns to racing or undergoes further action.

Q: What if a Rider is sick?

If a Rider is sick, he continues testing. The physiologic tests of the ACE profile are helpful in the maintenance of a Rider’s health.

Q: How do the Riders feel about being tested so much?

While each of you will have to come to your own conclusion, our experience is that Riders find the balance to be favorable. You must first become accustom to frequent blood and urine collections. Once you have settled into the routine, our experience tells us that you will be enthusiastic about participating because it gives you the opportunity to show the sport and the public that you are pure. It allows you to say in a very loud voice that “I AM COMPETEING PURE.”