Cycling News Roundup 12 December 2006
Bert Roesems Injury, Cunego Renews with Lampre/Fonital for Three Years. Team News: Value Act Capital, CSC, Sienna, Aerospace. AE Sports Womens Initative. Bike Biz News: Carmichael Tome, Tyler Farrar, Todd Herriot, Bean Team Christmas, Breakaway from Cancer Jerseys and more...

Bert Roesems: broken collarbone !!!
Bert Roesems crashed today during a track training session at Ghent.
His physician has immediately confirmed a broken collarbone.
Bert will go tomorrow to Dr. Toon Claes at Herentals if an operation is possible, he will ask to be treated immediately. But Bert will not be able to be in Mallorca for the first team training. This crash of our Belgian time-trial vice-champion is the eleventh 2006 setback for the Davitamon-Lotto team!
Let us hope that it will be the last, and that our new Predictor-Lotto team will live under a better star in 2007!
Get well soon Bert.

Damiano Cunego Signs for Three More Years with Lampre/Fondital
Damiano Cunego and Lampre-Fondital: a relationship that will last for a long time. The Italian cyclist chose to ride until 2009 with Giuseppe Saronni's team.
There had been many interests for Cunego from various pro-cycling team, but the Tour de France 2006 white jersey chose firmly Lampre-Fondital, extending his contract for two years. Cunego signed the contract during the Lampre-Fondital's training camp in Boario Terme, in company of Mario Galbusera, Lampre's president, and of Silvestro Niboli, Fondital's president.

Mario Galbusera, Damiano Cunego, Olrando Niboli and Giuseppe Saronni with the new jersey of Lampre-Fondital 2007.

"I had no doubt - explained Cunego - I 'm glad to extend the contract with Lampre-Fondital, because of the trust and the reliability of the team. I appreciated the enthusiasm of Galbusera family, of Niboli family and of the other sponsors: I hope I could give them important satisfactions".
 www.lampre-fondital.com

Lampre/Fondital at the team camp this month.

Team CSC News
Survival Camp Over With
Friday night the possibly most important part of the ongoing team training trip in South Africa was over. The traditional December event means so much for the team and Friday three days of ”survival training” in the harsh South African winderness was over with. For the seventh time team trainer B.S. Christiansen was the man behind these tests.

Afterwards there was a general feeling, that the trip gave some very positive vibrations which was absolutely impeccable. ”I am sure the team spirit on this team scares the other teams. I have seen a lot of riders from other teams look at us with huge respect and intimidation because of the team spirit that was glowing from us – well, I even did so myself before I came to the team,” Karsten Kroon explained during the trip.

”If you know yourself and your team mates this well, it gives you an opportunity to take advantage of the resources available on the team – especially when trouble arise at the worst possible time. That is when the team will be able to use the experiences and information gathered from this trip. It is like packing a back sack with extra power for the roads,” said B.S. Christiansen.

The Team training will continue on in the next days, but with a different program and a possibility for the riders to enjoy the sun on the South African roads. If you are a member of the Team CSC Official Fan Club, you will also have a possibility to read a blog from the trip

ValueAct Capital Women’s Cycling Team
ValueAct Capital, a San Francisco-based investment firm, is proud to announce the inception of the ValueAct Capital Women's Cycling Team for 2007. With a promising mix of experienced and developing talent, the team will contest National Racing Calendar events as well as Northern California races.

The ValueAct Capital Cycling Team Roster consists of Martina Patella, Laura Downey, Taitt Sato, Sharon Allpress, Courtenay Brown, as well as Australians Hayley Brown and 2005 individual pursuit World Champion Katie Mactier for select U.S. events. Lisa Hunt brings experience and vitality as the Team Director, Michael Smartt of Whole Athlete is the Team Coach, Steve Radonich will be the team mechanic, and Garrett Lau is the Team Photographer.

The team is being managed under the umbrella of Momentum Sports Group, LLC, which also manages the Health Net p/b Maxxis Cycling Team. "We recognize the growth of women's cycling and racing, and we are very excited to support the ValueAct Capital Cycling Team," says Thierry Attias of Momentum Sports Group, LLC. The team will be riding Serotta bicycles. Additional sponsors include the Dubai International Financial Exchange, Reynolds, Speedplay, Ritchey. Rudy Project, Maxxis, fi'z:ik, Capoforma, Cytosport, and the U.S. Women’s Cycling Development Program.

ValueAct Capital is one of the premiere value-investment firms in the United States, taking large ownership positions in publicly-traded companies and then working closely with company management to generate strong returns. ValueAct Capital is very excited to sponsor a dedicated, talented cycling team that embodies the firm’s own work ethic and drive for success.
For more information on the team and additional sponsorship opportunities, please contact Team Director Lisa Hunt at lisa@euroduds.com The team website, www.teamvalueactcapital.com , is currently under construction by web designer Steven Place.

AE Sport Development Launches U.S. Women’s Program
With the goals of providing development opportunities and assistance to women in cycling, the AE Sport Development Foundation has been created by American Espoir, operator of the 2006 CPT-Colnago Professional women’s team. AE Sport Development sets out with a clear goal to provide resources and guidance for women identified as Olympic and world-championship talents.

Seven to eight athletes will be selected for the 2007 program scholarship. AE SD will provide guidance and training within the Performance Enhancement Team (PET) model, which uses an assortment of experts within the fields of sport psychology, physiology, medicine, and nutrition to overcome obstacles and maximize each athlete’s growth toward their potential.

A significant portion of the nonprofit organization’s budget comes from public sport grants and private funding, which ensures the longevity of the program. AE Sport Development board Director Chris Wentz stated: “The development program is something I and the other partners are very proud of because it provides long-term support for riders. Women have brought home many medals at World Championships, and, in my opinion, many corporate sponsors are dismissing their wide audience and wholesome character. This program will work with athletes over several years, and because of that stability I see only success for the Foundation’s goals.”

The AE Sport Development Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. During their operation of the CPT-Colnago women’s team Chloe Forsman, Jennifer Gersbach, Megan Monroe, and Aimee Vasse were signed to international professional teams. They continue this mission with the AE SD Foundation: Its mission is to bring female athletes toward their potentials in sport and life so they may contribute to the international community of sport, while being role models for youth in their communities.
For more information about AE Sport Development or help fill the last 15% of their budget, visit www.americanespoir.com
Sponsor or media inquiries may also be directed to: info@americanespoir.com

Robbie McEwen returns to the TDU
TOUR DOWN UNDER 16-21 JANUARY 2007
Winner of the coveted green jersey at the Tour de France, and the inaugural winner of the Down Under Classic Robbie McEwen will return to the Tour Down Under in January with his team Predictor-Lotto. Robbie has won more stages than any other rider at the TDU (11) and is looking to add to this tally in 2007.

Also returning to the TDU in 2007 will be American Cycling Team, Navigators Insurance, with 4 Aussies riding for them. Making their Tour Down Under debut will be Barloworld, with South African sprinter Robert Hunter expected to challenge McEwen's sprint supremacy.
Full team lists can be found at www.tourdownunder.com.au

Obree delights the crowd at Revolution 15
A lively Revolution audience was treated to the best racing so far this season on Saturday night with Scottish legend Graeme Obree the star attraction in an action packed race programme.

One of the highlights of the evening was the DHL Pursuit Challenge where Obree took on a team of Future Stars riders in a 4km contest. Obree was always going to have his work cut out in his off season and especially with a hungry quartet of juniors chasing him but the race provided some of the biggest cheers as Obree held off the youngsters until they caught him on the final lap, "I was a little bit concerned when the organisers told me how fast they expected the Future Stars to go, especially as I haven't raced for six months" commented Obree. "I got out the best bike and put on a big gear but they were too fast and caught me right at the end. It was a fantastic evening though and I really enjoyed the event and the racing".

It was a busy night for the Future Stars team with Mark Christian, Andy Fenn, Tom Skubala and Sam Freeman riding across all the events including a new Future Stars Madison. Christian won the Madison with Chris Whorrall and held onto the leader’s jersey in the overall competition, "It was a tough night with the extra races," he said. "The Madison was really hard because you have to stay so focused and it was the first time we have raced a proper Madison so it was great to win it."

"It was amazing to race against Graeme Obree too" he continued. "All of us have a lot of respect for him so we were really excited to get the chance to do the pursuit. It was really hard work which shows what a phenomenal rider Graeme is."

In the other racing Craig MacLean showed impressive form winning all of his events in the Ravenswood ‘win your weight’ sprint omnium and 86kg worth of wine for his efforts. Bradley Wiggins and Franco Marvulli won the Isaac Galvez Memorial Madison with other victories going to Iijo Keisse and Marco Villa for the Team Elimination, Tony Gibb and James Taylor in the 1km Madison Time Trial and Adam Blythe in the Points Race.

The final event of season 4 takes place in the New Year on January 20th. Tickets can be purchased from www.cyclingrevolution.com or by calling 07005 942 579 or 0161 223 2244.

New England Bicycle Racing Association
to honor top racers for 2006
The New England Bicycle Racing Association (NEBRA) is holding its second annual awards banquet on Saturday, January 13, 2006 from 5:00 to 10:00 PM at the Best Western Royal Plaza, Fitchburg, MA.
The event will feature a keynote appearance by Daniel Manibal, President and Promoter of the UCI Montreal - Boston Cycling Tour 2007, and will highlight the 2006 racing season and honor those who have achieved top rankings in NEBRA qualified racing events in both the road and cyclocross seasons.

“The New England bicycle racing scene is alive and growing and the competition this year has been intense,” said George Gantz, President of Fitchburg Cycling Club which is hosting the event this year. “The Annual Banquet is a great tradition and gives a chance for racers and fans to swap stories and have some fun before the 2007 season gets into full swing.”
Tickets are available at www.bikereg.com for $29.50 and include a buffet dinner, awards, raffle prizes and entertainment. Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are also available by emailing gantz@unitil.com  .
Special room rates are available for NEBRA attendees at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, located off Route 2 at Exit 28 (Rte 31) Fitchburg MA. (call 888-976-9254).

Murphy Wins the 2006 Georgia Cyclocross State Championship
Murphy on the Podium
ATHENS, Ga. (Dec. 11,2006)--AEG-Toshiba-JetNetwork Elite rider, Eric Murphy recently claimed the Georgia Cyclocross State Championship title at the Championship race held in Macon, Ga. on Dec. 3, 2006.

The State Championship race attracted a strong field of riders including Alan Factory’s Jed Schneider of South Carolina, who although not eligible for the championship, elevated the level of competition.

In the men’s A race, Schneider immediately hit the front of the field and started to drive the pace. Within two laps, he and Murphy found themselves off the front of a seven man chase group. Schneider, a seasoned cross racer, comfortably towed newcomer Murphy around until the final lap when he accelerated away for a solo win 20 seconds ahead of Murphy. Murphy crossed the line very pleased to be taking home the State Championship Jersey for his team and sponsors.
Eric Murphy
“I’m thrilled to bring this win home,” said and exhausted Murphy. “ I’d especially like to send a big thanks to Jamis for providing me with a great bike, the new Super Nova Cross, to compete this season.”
Murphy finished third overall in the series, which wrapped up Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006.
More information on the 2006 AEG-Toshiba-JetNetwork team is available at www.aerospacecycling.com

SIENNA Development/Goble Knee signs with Seven and Reynolds
Utah's Top Team Declares Selves "Best Equipped Amateur Team in the US!"
Salt Lake City, Utah: The Sienna Development-Goble Knee Clinic Elite Cycling Team has forged a partnership with Seven Cycles, Reynolds Cycling and Canyon Bicycles of Salt Lake City for the 2007 and 2008 seasons. The team will be riding Seven's Elium Race for all road events equipped with Reynolds' carbon fiber wheels, handlebars, seatposts and other accessories.

The Elium Race is a thoroughbred carbon-fiber and titanium competition bike with a temperament exclusively for road racing, crits, and competitive club rides. This partnership is largely due to the tireless work of Canyon Bicycles of Salt Lake City and is built upon their shared success with Seven and Reynolds. Canyon has been a top five US dealer for Seven each of the past six years and was the number two dealer in the US for 2006. Canyon has been aided by Seven and the use of Reynolds products to successfully establish a high-end niche market in Utah utilizing a completely custom approach which was applied for each team member.

The Sienna Development-Goble Knee Clinic team has demonstrated its inspiring ability to execute as a cohesive team throughout the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 seasons. The results speak for themselves: The Sienna Development-Goble Knee Clinic team won 13 races in 2006 and claimed its fifth consecutive #1 Utah Cycling Association team ranking. The 2007 Men's Elite Team will once again be comprised of 10 riders for regional and select national events. Depth, experience, and self-sacrifice characterize the team. Each rider has a firm commitment to cycling, to each other, and to the team's partners: a winning combination that has taken the team to the top of the podium. "The team is almost giddy with anticipation to get on these bikes," notes team member and former professional cyclist Ryan Barrett.

Breakaway from Cancer Jersey
The Breakaway from Cancer initiative was created by Amgen Inc. as a complementary component to the company’s sponsorship of the Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race. Like cycling, it takes endurance, strength, hope and a network of support for people living with cancer to breakaway from the disease.

Now cycling enthusiasts can do their part to help raise awareness and funds to support valuable services and programs that help people living with cancer by purchasing a special Breakaway from Cancer cycling jersey. Each jersey costs $79.99 and 100% of the purchase price from sales of these jerseys will directly support the national Breakaway from Cancer initiative. Jerseys, and T-shirts from American designer and cancer survivor Carmen Marc Valvo ($28 for men and women), are available for purchase at www.breakawayfromcancer.com

Breakaway from Cancer™ launched in 2005 to raise awareness and funds to support services and programs for people affected by cancer. Last year, through this initiative, Amgen raised more than $1 million to support The Wellness Community. This year Amgen is proud to support both the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and The Wellness Community as this year’s non-profit partners.

Since its founding in 1980 in Thousand Oaks, California, Amgen has used the power of pioneering science to fight serious illness and dramatically improve people's lives. Amgen’s mission is to serve patients. In line with that mission, Amgen is proud to sponsor the Amgen Tour of California to underscore the value of a healthy lifestyle, promote the recognition of medical advances made possible through biotechnology, and emphasize the appropriate use of its medicines. To complement its sponsorship of this exciting event, Amgen is also proud to continue the Breakaway from Cancer™ education and fundraising initiative to support people affected by cancer.

Jittery Joe's Cycling Team - Its a "Bean Team" Christmas!
Top 5 Bean Team Gifts:
5. Some great rich, winter coffee like Mocha Java, Tanzanian Peaberry or Traveling Joe Blend.
4. Jittery Joe’s Team Mechanic’s shirt or Jittery Joe’s logo Tifosi sunglasses—give someone a sweet piece of team gear!
3. A six month coffee subscription gift or gift certificate from the Team Webstore.
2. Reserve a 2007 team jersey and bib shorts today and get them as soon as the team does!
1. The Ultimate gift for a Jittery Joe’s Cycling Team fan—a Discover Adventures Bean Team Tour of Georgia! Join the team for a week behind the scenes during North America’s premier race. http://www.discoveradventures.com/tourDesc.asp?id=TDG5
All of these gifts are available on the Team Webstore: http://store.jitteryjoes.com/ EXCEPT for the Bean Team tour which is only available through www.discoveradventures.com . Order by December 13 and get guaranteed delivery by Christmas!
Happy Holidays from the Bean Team!

World's top team confirmed for Wellington Tour in New Zealand
Organisers of the Trust House Women’s Cycling Tour in March have received an early Christmas present with confirmation that leading European professional team, T-Mobile from Germany, will be on the start line.

Fresh from a hugely successful full season of international competition the T-Mobile women’s team is aiming even higher in 2007 with a world-class roster of eleven riders from six nations. “We have already decided who will ride in New Zealand”, team manager Kristy Scrymgeour said.

“We already have five riders living and training down under in our off-season, four in Australia and one in New Zealand, and we will bring Judith Arndt over as the sixth rider. We want to start the season well, and I think we have a strong team in New Zealand and Australia to do that,” said Scrymgeour
For the 2007 team roster, leading riders Ina-Yoko Teutenberg and former World Champion Judith Arndt stay with the team. They will be joined by Oenone Wood, Linda Villumsen, Kate Bates, and Alex Rhodes.

Australian Oenone Wood is the biggest new name on the roster and though she is still relatively new to cycling she has already achieved so much. She is a two-time World Cup Series winner and former Australian National Champion; Linda Villumsen is a European and Danish Champion; Track specialist Kate Bates is a current Australian National Champion and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist; and making up the team is young Australian Alex Rhodes, who has fully recovered from serious injury incurred in a major accident in Germany in July 2005, which claimed the life of team-mate Amy Gillett.

“We have strengthened the squad considerably and I’m convinced that we’ll be up there with the world’s best teams and we will win many races”, team coach Petra Rossner said. “The team was strong in 2006 and we intend to follow up and expand on that. We want to make our mark on the stage-races like the Tour of New Zealand and our goal is simple - to win as often as possible,” Rossner said.

Race Director Jorge Sandoval is thrilled with the news. "Having the team currently considered to be one of the best in the world racing here in New Zealand again is great for the sport and for our event," he said.

"The Trust House 2007 Tour is already looking like being bigger and better than last year, and that's fantastic for everyone involved. The better we can make it, the more international exposure both the race, and New Zealand, will receive. It's going to be big."
Entries have also now been received from the German National team.
The Trust House Women’s Tour of New Zealand takes place from 7 to 11 March 2007.

Tyler Farrar Personal Appearance In Washington
Tales from the ProTour
Join us on Saturday, Dec 16th, at 3:00pm (NEW TIME) for a discussion with Washington resident and Cofidis ProTour cyclist, Tyler Farrar. Tyler will be discussing his first year of full-time European competition in the upper tier of cycling. Tyler is highly acclaimed as a top prospect for the future of American cycling. Come join us for a rare chance to listen to his insight into the ProTour.

William Pettis and Peter Schmitt will also discuss their practice at the Institute of New Medicine, where they integrate a holistic approach using both Eastern and Western treatments to optimize athletic potential through health and recovery. They have had recent success with US National champion George Hincapie and Olympian Ryder Hesjedal.

The cost is $20 per person with all proceeds donated to the Diabetes and Wellness Foundation on behalf of Lake Washington Velo. The discussion will last approximately one hour, with a question and answer forum to follow. Snacks and beverages will be provided by pastry chef, Dana Cree.
To register: http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=4041
Space is limited, so don't delay.

Todd Herriot
Herriott Sports Performance is Seattle's new state-of-the-art cycling performance center. Encompassing all your training needs under one roof, Herriot Sports Performance offers cycling coaching, strength and conditioning, physical therapy, bike fitting, scientific physiology testing (lactate testing, VO2, anaerobic and aerobic Thresholds), wingate max power testing, and much more! Please call or email with any questions about our services.

Conveniently located between pioneer square and Seattle's waterfront, Herriott Sports Performance is housed within the Institute of New Medicine, in the Maritime building at 911 Western Ave. Integrating the strengths of both Eastern and Western medical philosophy, The Institute of New Medicine strives to advanced natural medicine. Utilizing advanced cutting edge diagnostics, complementary therapies, proven protocols and sophisticated healing skills, iNewMed is pioneering the field of modern healthcare. The staff at iNewMed is committed to providing superior, personalized patient care and management.

About the staff at Herriott Sports Performance
Todd Herriott recently retired from Professional road cycling where he spent the past 5 years competing on the Colavita and Health Net teams. Todd is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Prior to moving to Seatttle, Todd previously had a private strength and conditioning studio in New York City. Todd has long been an advocate of core training, innovative strength and conditioning training, and power-based cycling training.

Russell Cree has over 12 years experience as a competitive cyclist, in road cycling, mt biking, cyclocross, and track cycling. He holds a degree in Exercise Science and Chemistry from Northern Arizona University, a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from University of Wisconsin, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University. Russell is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). His focus is rehabilitation and injury prevention of endurance athletes, biomechanics, scientific exercise physiology testing, core stability training, bike fitting/cyclist positioning, neuromuscular training of pedaling, and coaching all levels of cyclists.

America’s Coach, Chris Carmichael, Introduces
“5 Essentials for a Winning Life”
Colorado Springs, CO. --- Chris Carmichael (www.chriscarmichael.com), Olympian, New York Times bestselling author and coach to a number of world-class athletes including cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong, today introduced the 5 Essentials for a Winning Life (Rodale, December, 2006), a step-by-step action plan for achieving your personal, professional, and fitness goals while performing at levels thought only possible in youth. In the 5 Essentials Program, America’s Coach provides the empowering tools for harmonizing the five essential aspects of life—fitness, nutrition, relationships, career and health—to construct a strong, stable, and supportive platform from which we can all reach our dreams.

While there are many books that offer advice on making a change in one specific area of life – whether it is diet, fitness, career advancement or relationships – the 5 Essentials Program provides the integrated and balanced approach to release the champion within and create lasting change.
5 Essentials for a Winning Life offers:
• Highly effective ways to drop pounds and keep them off
• Medical tests that can save your life
• Realistic and proven guidance for balancing your career, relationships, health, fitness and nutrition goals
• Simple, clearly explained exercises that can be completed anywhere
• More than 60 fast and easy heart-healthy recipes

“Great success in any area of life is only possible if you first achieve an integrated, healthy and balanced lifestyle,” said Chris Carmichael. “No matter how overweight you are. No matter what financial problems you’re facing. No matter how disconnected you’ve become from your family. No matter what health problems you’re currently dealing with. And no matter how frustrated you are with your job. You can still win if you master the 5 Essentials.”

“5 Essentials for a Winning Life goes far beyond workouts and meal plans,” said seven-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong. “It’s the performance plan for living life to its fullest.”

5 Essentials for a Winning Life is available wherever finer books are sold on December 12 and online at www.chriscarmichael.com where you can join the growing community of adults who are winning at life!

Giro Helmets Sign on as Sponsor
Caisse D’Epargne/Illes Balears
Giro is delighted to welcome the Caisse D’Epargne – Illes Balears Professional Cycling Team to our extended cycling family. Reigning Pro Tour Champion

Alejandro Valverde and the rest of the boys will debut their Giro helmets January 2007, as they prepare their offense for what’s shaping up to be one of the most animated seasons in the history of professional cycle sport.
At Giro, rider input is a pivotal part of the product development process. “Everyone at Giro is ecstatic to kick off our partnership with the Caisse D’Epargne – Illes Balears team. We look forward to working with the team to pioneer leading edge technology and product” said Tom Larter, Giro Vice President of Marketing.
The complete 2007 Caisse D’Epargne – Illes Balears team
roster is as follows:
David Arroyo, Eric Berthou, Florent Brard, Vladimir Efimkin, Imanol Erviti, Marco Fertonani, Jose Vicente Garcia Acosta, Ivan Gutierrez, Joan Horrach, Vladimir Karpets, Pablo Lastras, David Lopez, Alberto Losada, Alexey Markov, Oscar Pereiro, Aitor Perez Arrieta, Francisco Perez, Mathieu Perget, Nicolas Portal, Sebastan Portal, Vicente Reynes, Joaquin Rodriguez, Alejandro Valverde, Constantino Zaballa,
and Xabier Zandio.

The Spanish team’s Service Corse will be fully stocked with Giro Atmos and Advantage helmets, both of which feature unique colorways available to Giro customers, worldwide.

WADA Applauds Swift Ratification by Governments of International Convention against Doping in Sport
Agency Welcomes Entry into Force as a Key Step in the Global Fight against Doping in Sport
Montreal, 11 December 2006 – The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) welcomed today the deposit at UNESCO of the 30th instrument of ratification of the International Convention against Doping in Sport (Convention) by the government of Luxembourg. Reaching the threshold of 30 ratifications, required by UNESCO procedures for this convention, means that the first global treaty against doping in sport will enter into force on February 1, 2007.

“The Convention’s entry into force signals the strong commitment of the governments of the world to the fight against doping in sport,” said WADA President Richard W. Pound. “The drafting and unanimous adoption of this Convention in just two years is a world record for international treaties, and now its entry into force within under a year of its adoption is another record in the history of UNESCO. We warmly commend and thank UNESCO for facilitating the process, and we look forward to the ratification of the Convention by all governments of the world.”

The International Convention against Doping in Sport is the treaty formalizing the commitment of governments to the fight against doping in sport. Until now, many governments could not be legally bound by a non-governmental document such as the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), the document harmonizing regulations regarding anti-doping in all sports and all countries of the world, which entered into force on January 1, 2004. Governments accordingly drafted the International Convention under the auspices of UNESCO - the United Nations body responsible for education, science and culture - enabling them to align their domestic policies with the Code and thereby harmonizing sport rules and public legislation in the fight against doping in sport. This Convention was unanimously adopted by the 191 States present at the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, France, on October 19, 2005.

“The speed at which governments are ratifying the Convention clearly shows that public authorities are well aware of the importance of stemming the scourge of doping in sport and its impact on pubic health. Governments also recognize the need to partner with the sports movement to coordinate efforts for efficiency and effectiveness in anti-doping,” said WADA Vice-President and Minister for Culture and Sport in Denmark Brian Mikkelsen. “The commitment of governments to this fight has been highlighted by their decisive action in a number of recent high-profile cases and investigations, and I am certain that the partnership between governments and the sports movement, facilitated by WADA, will continue to grow.”

Governments’ authority, when applied to the fight against doping, greatly advances efforts. For example, governments can take action against the illegal manufacture and supply of doping substances, facilitate doping controls, support education, fund research, and take other equally important measures.

Some 186 countries have signed the Copenhagen Declaration on Anti-Doping in Sport, the political document through which governments show their intention to implement the World Anti-Doping Code through ratification of the UNESCO Convention. It is expected that all of them will ratify the Convention for practical implementation of the universally accepted anti-doping rules and principles.
You can find the list of countries that have ratified the Convention and more information on the Convention by clicking here.
The UNESCO Web site also provides valuable information on the Convention: www.unesco.org/en/antidoping

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the international independent organization created in 1999 to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against doping in sport in all its forms. The Agency is composed and funded equally by the sports movement and governments of the world. Its key activities include scientific research, education, out-of-competition testing, development of anti-doping capacities and monitoring of the World Anti-Doping Code - the first document harmonizing regulations regarding anti-doping in all sports and all countries.