WADA dismisses reports claiming effectiveness of 'micro-doping'

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has claimed television reports in France that anti-doping screenings could be beaten by a method called 'micro-doping' are false.

A French television station gained access to Athlete Biological Passport software used in doping tests by the organization, in an attempt to examine its strength.

Having claimed to have provided amateur athletes with small amounts of steroids over sustained periods, the report suggested their performances improved, without triggering a failed drugs test - leading to fears over professional sportsmen and women using the method to gain a 'clean' passport.

However, WADA has dismissed the findings, claiming an inaccurate method makes them void, while also warning against using humans in the investigation.

A statement read: "WADA... would like to clarify that while we did make the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) software available, we certainly did not 'bless' or endorse the study, as has been suggested.

"The study does not accurately follow the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) guidelines, and therefore its relevance to the ABP is not entirely clear.

"In commenting on any study, it is first important that the findings are properly peer reviewed and published. This has not yet taken place with this study.

"Furthermore, WADA does not ever recommend athletes take part as 'human guinea pigs' in a study in which they would be subjected to taking performance-enhancing drugs.

"We welcome and encourage research relevant to the Athlete Biological Passport, and continue to work with experts to advance and enhance the project."