A third-generation EPO variant designed to evade detection but eventually caught multiple high-profile cyclists in 2008.
CERA (Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator), marketed as Mircera, is a long-acting EPO analogue developed for anemia treatment. It became a major doping scandal in cycling when athletes switched to it believing it was undetectable.
• Larger molecular structure than standard EPO • PEGylated (polyethylene glycol attached) • Longer half-life in the body • Reduced dosing frequency required
• Longer action means less frequent injections • Smaller total doses needed • More stable blood values • Initially thought to be undetectable • Different molecular structure from traditional EPO
• Same benefits as standard EPO • Increased red blood cell production • Enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity • VO2 Max improvements • Better endurance performance
• New CERA test developed by WADA labs • Applied to stored samples from 2008 Tour de France • Multiple positive results emerged • Samples tested months after the race
Riccardo Riccò (2008 Tour de France): • Positive during the race • Suspended immediately • Later admitted to EPO and CERA use • Career effectively ended
Bernhard Kohl (2008 Tour de France): • Third place finisher • Tested positive in retroactive analysis • Stripped of podium finish • Received two-year ban • Later became anti-doping advocate
• Double time trial winner at 2008 Tour • CERA detected in retests • Two-year ban • Results annulled
• Stage winner 2008 Tour de France • Positive for CERA • Retired from cycling
• Showed athletes still seeking new doping methods • Demonstrated retroactive testing works • Proved no substance stays undetectable forever • Led to increased research funding for detection • Reinforced value of sample storage
• Isoelectric focusing (IEF) method • Detects unique molecular structure • Can identify CERA use weeks after administration • Blood and urine testing both effective
• Abnormal blood values trigger suspicion • Combined with direct CERA testing • Longitudinal monitoring catches patterns • Makes timing of use more difficult
• Samples kept for 10 years • Retroactive testing as new methods develop • No statute of limitations on cheating • Deterrent effect on current athletes • Justice delayed but not denied
• Podium finishers tested • Random selections throughout peloton • Stage winners and jersey holders • Suspicious performances targeted
• Unannounced testing year-round • Targeted based on intelligence • Biological Passport monitoring • Whereabouts system enables testing
• All samples stored frozen • 10-year retention period • Regular retesting as methods improve • Results can lead to retroactive bans
• Detection methods for new EPO variants • Reducing detection windows • Improving sensitivity of tests • Developing biomarker approaches • Integration with genetic profiling
• No substance remains undetectable • Retroactive testing means old cheating can be caught • Stored samples are time bombs • Risk far outweighs reward
• Keep samples for extended periods • Invest in detection research • Retroactive sanctioning sends strong message • Cooperation between labs crucial
CERA represents the cat-and-mouse game between dopers and anti-doping scientists. Athletes thought they'd found an undetectable substance, but retroactive testing caught them. This reinforces that cheating is always risky and detection methods constantly improve.
The main misconception is that CERA was widely used. In reality, its detection was developed quickly, and only a relatively small window existed where athletes thought it was safe. Another myth is that all EPO variants are equally detectable - new variants still pose detection challenges, though none remain undetectable for long.