Retired former Tour de France cyclist Steve Bauer in the article below provides an interesting perspective on how the media addresses anti-doping and professional sports. Potentially Cycling shows in a negative light due to rigorous testing, not so much rampant drug abuses. Other professional sports such as in this case Hockey and the NHL don't subscribe to the rigorous testing and we may know little about the true utilization of drugs in that sport.

Ask a Simple Question...

Over the past few days, Steve Bauer has been having an interesting conversation with WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).

Guys

While our sport is getting beat up, re doping issues, shouldn't we be educating the public about why always cycling? See conversation below. Post it on your website if you like.

Steve


-----Original Message-----

From: Steve Bauer

Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 1:25 PM

To: Education

Subject: Professional Hockey vs Professional Cycling

Dear Wada,

Help me out with this question.

Professional cyclists are tested after every professional cycling race. A minimum of four urine tests are done if I am correct?

If we have a fair playing field for all international sport, then Why are professional hockey players (and other professional/olympic sports) NOT tested after every match. This has perturbed me for sometime.

Please clarify this for me.

Steve Bauer


Dear Mr. Bauer,

We thank you for your interest and your concern for doping-free sport.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has jurisdiction over those organizations that have signed the World Anti-Doping Code (Code). As did the Union cycliste internationale for the sport of cycling, all other Olympic sport federations adopted the World Anti-Doping Code. Testing protocols (who gets tested, how many times and when) are dependent on each sport organization's policy and may depend, even within a single sport, on various factors such as calibre of competition, resources available,etc.

While those sport organizations that have not adopted the Code may follow their own anti-doping rules, they are urged to adopt and implement the Code, which reflects the global consensus for a strong and harmonized approach to the fight against doping in sport. WADA works closely with professional sport organizations that are independent of their sports international federation and that are willing to implement anti-doping measures for their athletes, but this is done on a case by case basis.

No matter in which league or circuit they normally compete, professional athletes must abide by the Code when competing at the Olympic or Paralympic Games.

Regards,

Marie-Claude ASSELIN

Coordinator, Education / Coordonnatrice, Éducation

World Anti-Doping Agency / Agence Mondiale Antidopage

Web/Internet: www.wada-ama.org


From: Steve Bauer
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 3:31 PM
To: Asselin, Marie-Claude
Subject: re[2]: Professional Hockey vs Professional Cycling

Dear Marie-Claude

"WADA works closely with professional sport organizations that are independent of their sports international federation and that are willing to implement anti-doping measures for their athletes, but this is done on a case by case basis"

Based on this fact above, may I determine that WADA does NOT work closely with the NHL (National Hockey League) an independent professional sport organization which is independent of thier sports international federation.

Steve Bauer


From: "Asselin, Marie-Claude"
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 16:12:36
To:"Steve Bauer"
Subject: RE: re[2]: Professional Hockey vs Professional Cycling

Hi Steve,

Continuous attempts at discussions do take place at higher levels of governance with all professional sport organizations who do not yet comply with the World Anti-Doping Code. If you consult the minutes of the WADA Executive Committee and Foundation Board on our website (www.wada-ama.org/en/dynamic.ch2?pageCategory.id=283), you will understand the extent to which this matter is taken seriously by WADA. The May 2006 meetings and most particularly the November 2005 meeting minutes will provide some good insight on the status of discussions with specific leagues and organizations. Once the PDF documents open, you can search for the word 'professional' for quicker references on the discussion points, or 'hockey' for matters specific to the NHL.

Thanks again!

Marie-Claude


From: Steve Bauer
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 9:16 AM
To: Asselin, Marie-Claude
Subject: Re: re[2]: Professional Hockey vs Professional Cycling

Marie-claude

One simple question.

Has the NHL signed to follow the Code?

Steve Bauer.

This one is a yes or no answer.


From: "Asselin, Marie-Claude"
Date: Fri, 1 Dec 2006 09:21:17
To:"Steve Bauer"
Subject: RE: re[2]: Professional Hockey vs Professional Cycling

No, as of today, the NHL has not signed the Code. For future reference, the list of all organizations having signed the Code is on our website and is updated daily: www.wada-ama.org/en/dynamic.ch2?pageCategory.id=270

Marie-Claude