An anti-doping program that monitors athletes' biological markers over time to detect doping through abnormal variations.
The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) revolutionized anti-doping by shifting from detecting specific substances to identifying the biological effects of doping. Introduced by UCI in 2008 and adopted by WADA, it tracks individual baseline values over time.
• Hemoglobin concentration • Hematocrit percentage • Reticulocyte count (immature red blood cells) • OFF-score (combines multiple markers) • Abnormal Blood Profile Score
• Regular blood samples throughout season • Individual baseline established for each athlete • Statistical models detect significant deviations • Flags abnormal patterns for investigation
• Testosterone/Epitestosterone ratio • Androsterone levels • Etiocholanolone markers • LH (Luteinizing Hormone) levels
• Detects effects of doping even without finding substances • Catches micro-dosing strategies • Identifies new or unknown doping methods • Creates deterrent through continuous monitoring • No statute of limitations on abnormal passport data
• Athletes know they're monitored year-round • Cannot predict when tests occur • Abnormalities remain in permanent record • Retrospective sanctioning possible
Roman Kreuziger (2013): • Abnormal blood values detected • Suspended during investigation • Case eventually dropped on procedural grounds
Jonathan Tiernan-Locke (2012): • Extreme blood values before turning professional • Retroactive analysis of pre-pro data • Two-year ban based on ABP evidence
• Abnormal hematocrit fluctuations • Combined with whereabouts violations • Admitted to comprehensive doping program
• Requires multiple tests to establish baseline • Individual variation can complicate interpretation • Legal challenges on statistical methodology • Expensive to implement comprehensively • Not foolproof against sophisticated doping
• WorldTour riders: minimum 12 tests per year • Out-of-competition testing prioritized • Targeted testing based on risk assessment • Increased testing during Grand Tours
• Blood samples collected by anti-doping officials • Analyzed at WADA-accredited laboratories • Results uploaded to centralized database • Statistical analysis flags abnormalities
• Daily location information (one-hour window) • Minimum 14-day advance notice • Updates required within 24 hours of changes • Three missed tests = anti-doping violation
• ADAMS (Anti-Doping Administration & Management System) • Real-time location updates • Testing notifications
• Bayesian approach to data analysis • 99% specificity threshold (minimize false positives) • Expert panel review of flagged cases • Published scientific validation studies
• Endocrine passport for hormonal monitoring • Metabolomics profiling • DNA methylation patterns • Integration of performance data
The Biological Passport fundamentally changed professional cycling by making doping much riskier and more detectable. It's credited with significantly cleaning up the sport since its introduction in 2008, as abnormal blood values now trigger investigations even without positive drug tests.
The main misconception is that the ABP catches all doping. Sophisticated athletes with medical support can potentially maintain values within normal ranges through careful manipulation. However, the ABP significantly narrows the window for effective doping and creates substantial risk of detection over time.