The haematological profile remains open to manipulation – albeit in a more constrained manner; I imagine that a gradual but continued upward trend in markers is allowable so long as one test is reasonably similar to the previous average and doesn’t stray beyond absolute upper limits. Tthe UCI page notes that the standard is “significant variation” – I was unable to find a definition for the term; and even then such variation only triggers an investigation. As an additional complication, one’s haematological profile varies over the short and long term. I believe the UCI was also counting on the efficacy of the EPO tests as a further check on doping.

So far as I know (admittedly very little), no case involving a challenge has been decided at any level. I think reasonable doubt is more likely in a case where no specific doping test came back positive. The test makes use of statistical models, which will be open to challenge. The CAS will doubtless soon have such a case of first impression.

It’s really unimportant for pro racing what UCI does. The drivers are the teams themselves and ASO. If the teams get anything unusual with passports they are going to do something internally first. This kind of points up the reason I think there should have been an amnesty and cut-off. There was a whole culture of drug use including the teams. If the teams are against it with passports in place than any drug use will be minimal and its obvious effects will be minimal. That is the best one can hope for. ASO’s current policy seems to be, if it smells a little to us you are out – guilty or not.

This and the fallibility of Testosterone test (fairly useless really – 1/3 of people won’t show positive and a 1/10 might without use) do show what arrogant bureaucrats work at WADA – saying their tests are perfect and such and not trying to figure out a fair way to balance things for riders. That is why I like the passport idea – it will eliminate the “two level” racing and the real jacked people. Real subtle things I don’t care as much about – you will always have some abusers.