Statement concerning Anti-doping Measures

Cyclists and organisers of cycling events are hereby reminded that all persons who enter an event organised or sanctioned by the Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF) may be tested for methods or substances prohibited by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale).

Anti-doping testing may therefore take place in any event on the official Namibian Cycling
Calendar, including club events and events organised by independent entities. Such tests are conducted under the authority of the Namibian National Olympic Committee, in terms of regulations, and involve the collection of urine or blood samples under strictly controlled circum-stances.
Although elite and junior cyclists may more often be the subject of testing, any cyclist may be selected for testing at a competitive cycling event. No further explanation will be provided for why a certain cyclist has been selected for testing. The organiser of an event will also not receive prior notice that testing will take place. The aim of these measures is to ensure that the entire sport is kept free of doping and that all cyclists set an example, especially for young cyclists.
Web-based search-engines make it possible to find out if any medicine is prohibited or not by the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA), and there is a procedure for athletes to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption. The WADA Application provides information with regards to substances and methods considered as doping for various sporting types and also states whether banned in-competition, out-of-competition or both. Great care needs to be exercised in the use of food supplements.
As has often been stated, there are three main reasons for stricter measures against doping.
1. It is unfair for some cyclists to gain an advantage over others by doping.
1 Extract from the NCF event assumption of risk, declaration, waiver, indemnity and release, paragraph 2.5: I understand and agree that the UCI Anti-Doping Rules apply to me and that it is my responsibility to comply with those rules.
I agree to submit to drug testing and understand that the use of methods or substances prohibited by the applicable anti-doping rules would make me subject to penalties including, but not limited to, disqualification and suspension. If it is determined that I may have committed a doping violation, I agree to submit to the results management authority of the UCI and my national federation
2. The effects of doping on the health and well-being of cyclists can be severe, life changing and this is especially so in the case of young athletes.
3. Doping by even one individual brings the whole sport into disrepute. A positive test for prohibited substances can have severe consequences for the integrity of the individual caught, for the reputation of the country, and can also lead to the loss of sponsorships, on which the sport depends to a large extent.
All cyclists are therefore requested to give their full cooperation in the implementation of the NCF’s drive against doping.