Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport

(Ottawa, Ontario – February 28, 2019) – The Union Cycliste International (UCI) announced last month that tramadol will be banned in UCI-sanctioned competitions as of March 1, 2019. The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) advises Canadian cycling athletes who compete in UCI events that they should contact the UCI well in advance if they are using tramadol.

The rules for events not sanctioned by the UCI remain unchanged. The Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) continues to follow the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List, which allows the use of tramadol.

The UCI explains that health and safety are the main drivers behind the decision, stating, “The ban is aimed at preserving the rider's health and safety in light of the side-effects of tramadol, across all disciplines and categories.”

The UCI release lists some of the side effects, testing methods, and penalties associated with tramadol. Read the full release.

Tramadol is found in many over-the-counter medications in Canada, and is used primarily for pain management. It is identified in the product name for many generic drug manufacturers or may be additionally listed as an ingredient in other products such as Tridural, Tramacet and Ralivia. 

Once again, the CCES encourages Canadian athletes to contact the UCI directly if they require further information. See the UCI’s contact page.

About the CCES
The CCES is an independent, national, not-for profit organization with a responsibility to administer the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. The CCES acknowledges funding, in part, from the Government of Canada. We are committed to making sport better by working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

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