Kazakhstan to implent local bio-passport program

In response to three recent anti-doping cases Kazakhstan will introduce biometric passport monitoring of domestic professional cyclists beginning in 2015.

The effort will be co-ordinated by the country's National Anti-Doping Centre and the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation, and comes after three Kazakh riders, Maxim Iglinskiy, Valentin Iglinskiy and Ilya Davidenok all fell foul of anti-doping authorities.

All three riders were associated with World Tour team Astana and the move could be seen as a local effort to save the team, whose license to operate at the highest level is set to be scrutinised by the world governing body, the International Cycling Union (UCI).

The orgainsations together pledged to implement "the world's most advanced anti-doping system" in an effort to overturn perceptions on the sport in Kazakhstan.

"The importance of this document is difficult to overestimate, said KCF Executive Director Dmitriy Muravyev. "The memorandum is a significant part of the anti-doping program we have been developing in recent months in cooperation with the Center's specialists and international experts.

"The program is aimed at preventing the use of banned substances listed by WADA.

"In Kazakhstan in 2015 we will introduce the world's most advanced anti-doping system together with KazNADC, a fully-equipped laboratory with the latest technology, and with the support of international experts," said Muravyev.

"Large-scale testing for riders of all ages, biometric passports and educational seminars are just a part of our long-term strategic anti-doping program, and we are counting on the support of the athletic community in its implementation.

Riders drawn into the bio-passport program will be from Continental Team Astana, Vino 4ever, Track Team Astana. The Astana World Tour team, subjected to the UCI's own program, will also be involved, but only when racing in Kazakhstan.

Along with the physical collection of samples during regional, national and international competitions, the two organisations will also introduce a comprehensive education and training program for regional sport schools and training academies, coaches and athletes.