The in-competition use of tramadol, a painkiller substance in the synthetic opioid category, will be banned across all cycling disciplines from March 1, Cycling South Africa announced in a statement yesterday.
The side-effects of tramadol include nausea, drowsiness and loss of concentration which could increase the risk of crashes. A dependence on the substance could also occur, leading to eventual addiction.
The in-competition use of tramadol, a painkiller substance in the synthetic opioid category, will be banned across all cycling disciplines from March 1. Photo: Supplied
In light of the risks associated with the use of the substance in competitive cycling, the UCI management committee, in accordance with UCI medical regulations, have banned its use.
According to findings of the World Anti‐Doping Agency, a 2017 survey recorded that 4.4 per cent of cyclists showed up positive for the use of tramadol in competitions.
Tests also showed that 68 per cent of urine samples containing tramadol, taken from across 35 Olympic disciplines, were from cyclists.
As from March 1 a first offence of testing positive will result in the rider being fined and disqualified from the respective event.
A second offence will result in disqualification and a five-month suspension, while a third violation will result in the same penalty and a nine-month suspension.
Teams can also receive penalties and suspensions if more than one rider within the set-up tests positive for the substance.
