February 16, 2007 — As previously reported Slipstream p/b Chipotle (formerly TIAA-CREF) is adopting an aggressive anti-doping program that might save professional cycling. The New York Times recently covered the anti-doping program of the Colorado-based team, for which 2005 Canadian road champ François Parisien rides, which sees the blood and urine of its riders tested 50 times a year. (click here to read their report).

The anti-doping program, which is overseen by the Agency for Cycling Ethics (ACE) apparently sets a new standard for testing (www.agencyforcyclingethics.org/). Pedal has learned that three other teams were approached by ACE, but Slipstream was the only team to accept the program.

Generally cyclists are tested at random, or if they win or have a strong finish. The ACE program, however, routinely tests all cyclists and establishes their biological profiles at an estimated annual cost of $20,000 US per cyclist. Slipstream has also asked the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to audit the results.

Doug Ellis, an investor who owns the team, told the New York Times that Chipotle (a chain of Mexican restaurants) is a secondary presenting sponsor. Negotiations to secure a primary sponsor “fell apart” after 2006 Tour de France winner Floyd Landis (formerly with Phonak) tested positive for testosterone. Slipstream says the team is feeling the fallout from Landis positive test. Ellis describes the ACE anti-doping program as “an insurance policy” for skittish potential team sponsors.

Slipstream’s team general manager, Jonathan Vaughters, is a former TdF cyclist (US Postal Service) who helped team mate Lance Armstrong win. Vaughters was coy about whether he ever doped, but admits to not having, “a halo over my head.” But he declared it’s his mission to start a “clean team” with Slipstream. Vaughters continued that, “I don’t want to have any of the riders under my direction to have to face the decisions I did. I’ve made that my responsibility.”

Team member Danny Pate (a former U23 world champ), 27, told the Times that giving 50 blood samples a year is “an absolute pain,” but that he will gladly do it to prevent being, “lumped with guys accused of cheating.” Pate added that, “I’ll do anything to help save the sport.”