A significant anti-doping initiative is currently underway in the world of professional cycling. The International Testing Agency (ITA) has launched a two-year pilot study to assess the efficacy of analyzing cyclists' power and training data as an additional resource in the fight against doping. This trial involves approximately 60 riders from five prominent teams, including Visma-Lease a Bike, home to two-time Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard.
Details of the Power Data Anti-Doping Trial
The International Testing Agency (ITA) announced this week that a feasibility and pilot study for a "power data passport" is in full swing. This initiative, which was first revealed prior to last year's Tour de France, aims to scrutinize the power and training metrics of cyclists to determine if such data can serve as a valuable complement to existing anti-doping measures, like the biological passport. The project, funded by the UCI's anti-doping program, is a collaborative effort with the University of Kent and University College London.
On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the ITA clarified that the trial's primary objective is to evaluate whether longitudinal performance modeling, based on a rider's power data, can robustly and responsibly support anti-doping strategies. It is crucial to note that the ITA emphasizes this trial is not intended to establish anti-doping rule violations solely through performance and power data analysis. Instead, the insights gained will help inform targeted testing strategies, decisions regarding sample retention, additional laboratory analyses, and investigations.
The study delves into understanding the typical variability in performance across different rider profiles, age groups, and career stages. Researchers are also examining how race performances correlate with training data and how consistent efforts can be analyzed reliably despite the inherent variables in elite cycling. A key focus is on "excess performances," which represent individual performance trajectories adjusted for the average performance within a population at the same age, accounting for confounding factors. This approach analyzes changes in an athlete's performance over time rather than focusing solely on isolated exceptional results.
The trial also investigates various factors influencing power data, such as discrepancies between power meter devices, calibration methods, measurement errors, race dynamics, rider specialization, and the link between training outputs and race performances. As of March, nearly 60 riders from five teams had voluntarily consented to share their historical power data. The participating teams confirmed this week include Visma-Lease a Bike, Picnic PostNL, Jayco AlUla, Decathlon AG2R, and Cofidis. Discussions are also ongoing with Uno-X Mobility, Tudor, and TotalEnergies, which have approved participation frameworks.
The initial phase of the trial focuses on retrospective analysis of historical data to develop a reliable monitoring approach, followed by a pilot phase assessing current season data. The ITA has also established a 'Power Data Advisory Panel' comprising experts in sports science, athlete representation, cycling technology, and integrity operations.
Benjamin Cohen, ITA director general, stated that while power data has been a long-standing topic in cycling performance, its anti-doping potential remains largely untapped. He expressed optimism that this structured scientific process, supported by riders, teams, and experts, will determine its future role in anti-doping efforts. Should the trial succeed and gain UCI approval, regulations may be amended to mandate the sharing of individual power data for all professional male road cyclists, with potential expansion to the women's peloton and other sports like triathlon.
However, this potential for mandatory data sharing has ignited controversy. Adam Hansen, president of the CPA (professional riders' association), has voiced strong objections. He argues that while some riders are open to it, he believes it goes too far, imposing excessive responsibilities on athletes who already adhere to strict anti-doping protocols. Hansen questioned the implications of riders failing to upload training data, or issues with power meters, highlighting the complexities of accurately interpreting such data given variable training conditions.
Similarly, Alex Carera, a prominent rider agent representing Tadej Pogačar, criticized the trial, asserting that cycling has achieved credibility and does not require such measures. He believes introducing new, potentially "stupid" protocols would only create unnecessary problems, stressing that the sport's mentality regarding doping has significantly evolved over the past 10-15 years.
This pioneering trial represents a pivotal moment for cycling's anti-doping landscape. While proponents envision a more robust and intelligent system, concerns about rider autonomy, data accuracy, and the potential for misinterpretation underscore the need for careful consideration and transparent implementation. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly shape the future of anti-doping efforts in professional cycling, balancing the pursuit of clean sport with the rights and practicalities faced by athletes.