Madiot asks teams to “commit not to use this method”

In the carbon monoxide file, Marc Madiot wants to bang his fist on the table before it is too late. The Groupama-FDJ manager strongly opposed the use of this potentially lethal gas by professional peloton teams and calls on all team leaders not to embark on a race for equipment. Madiot also asks for an agreement within the peloton to stem the phenomenon.

“Otherwise, it will take another five or ten years to resolve the matter,” he worries at the microphone of RMC Sport. Today we report three teams who use or have used this equipment. I put my note that from three teams, we will soon move on to five, six, seven, ten, fifteen… up to 90% of the peloton. I don't intend to use it at all. This is the message that I conveyed to the president of the UCI. »

UAE, Visma and Israel Premier-Tech among users

The UCI had already asked Cycling teams at the beginning of the week not to use CO, while urging WADA to take a position on the question of inhaling the gas. “It’s simple, you have to say no,” adds Marc Madiot. It's stop! Everyone needs to get involved. The next step is for the ITA (International Testing Agency) to act as police and ensure that no one uses it. It's wishful thinking, but at least let's try. »

Among the teams that have resorted to carbon monoxide inhalation are Israel PT as well as Tadej Pogacar's UAE team and Jonas Vingegaard's Visma. Questioned during the Tour de France by the press, the two champions admitted to using the technique to measure the benefits of training at altitude, but did not report regular use.