Imagine a cycling team pushing the boundaries of training so far that they're now under intense scrutiny for using a potentially dangerous method just days before it was banned. That's the situation the Ineos Grenadiers find themselves in, following a report by The Sunday Times that has sparked both concern and controversy in the cycling world. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: the team allegedly introduced carbon monoxide (CO) rebreathing—a technique that’s now forbidden under UCI medical regulations—during a February 2025 training camp in Spain. This move came just before new rules took effect, raising questions about timing, ethics, and the team’s commitment to fair play.
The Ineos Grenadiers claim this was their first time using the method, but the timing couldn’t be more suspicious. The tests were conducted in a 10-day window between the publication of the rules and the official ban, though the UCI had already issued non-enforceable guidelines months earlier. The team insists they’ve “always adhered to UCI rules and regulations on this issue,” but critics argue that the move feels like a deliberate loophole exploit. And this is the part most people miss: the technique itself, while established in medical and scientific research since the 1980s, is incredibly risky. Carbon monoxide is a potentially lethal gas, and its use in sports—particularly to optimize altitude and heat training—has sparked fierce debates about safety and fairness.
To understand the controversy, let’s rewind to the 2024 Tour de France, where Escape Collective’s Ronan McLaughlin exposed that top teams like Visma-Lease a Bike, UAE Team Emirates, and Israel-Premier Tech were experimenting with CO rebreathing. At the time, the practice was unregulated, and these teams claimed it was purely for testing purposes, not performance enhancement. But the Ineos Grenadiers’ case is different. By implementing the method just before it was banned, they’ve positioned themselves at the center of a storm, with many questioning whether this was a last-ditch effort to gain an edge.
But here’s the controversial question: Is this a case of innovation or exploitation? On one hand, pushing the boundaries of training methods is part of what drives sports forward. On the other, using a potentially dangerous and now-banned technique raises serious ethical concerns. The UCI’s swift action to restrict CO rebreathing highlights the risks involved, yet the Ineos Grenadiers’ timing feels like a calculated move. Were they truly unaware of the impending ban, or did they see an opportunity to squeeze in one last round of testing?
The technique itself is fascinating—and alarming. By precisely dosing carbon monoxide into the lungs, athletes can track key blood values and optimize their training, particularly in high-altitude conditions. But the risks are undeniable. Carbon monoxide poisoning is no small matter, and its use in sports feels like playing with fire. Is this the future of athletic training, or a dangerous line we shouldn’t cross?
As the cycling community debates this issue, one thing is clear: the Ineos Grenadiers have become the focal point of a conversation that goes beyond just rules and regulations. It’s about the ethics of innovation, the limits of what’s acceptable in sports, and the lengths teams will go to for a competitive edge. What do you think? Is this a bold move or a step too far? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
