http://www.fai.org/hang_gliding/node/1097

The bar is about to be raised on anti-doping regulations. Out of competition testing comes one step nearer for hang glider and paraglider competition pilots.

The FAI has, to date, taken a minimalist stance on drug testing, and today is not the only international federation to be deemed non-compliant for not conducting out-of-competition testing. Now it has to decide on how to proceed. Essentially, FAI has to identify a number of top pilots to form a ‘testing pool’. These pilots have to be available for testing one hour a day, every day.

The best advice is for pilots competing in Cat 1 events this year to be prepared. At the very least, they should realise that they are liable to be tested for drugs at any time during international competitions. The rules do not prevent pilots from having a cool beer in the evening after flying, but only once they have checked with event organisers that they will not be subjected to anti-doping controls that day. Alcohol must have been eliminated from the body by the time pilots are ready to fly the following morning, so quantities consumed must be small.

Who, exactly, is going to pay for this? What does available mean? Can they join me on the freeway as I drive to the next competition site? So far I have seen no testing at any international hang gliding competition. Lets keep it that way.