May 25, 2006 – After meeting in Montreal, Quebec, WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) has still not come to a decision regarding the use of altitude tents by athletes. The decision is not expected until September of this year. The purpose of the tents is to raise red blood cell counts by simulating high-altitude conditions.

WADA issued the following statement yesterday:

The Executive Committee decided to seek broad stakeholder comment on the question of whether artificially-induced hypoxic conditions should be placed on the 2007 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List). The consultation process on hypoxic conditions will occur in parallel to the process implemented for feedback on the draft 2007 List which is currently in circulation. Following the consultation period, stakeholder feedback will receive full review by the WADA List Committee in September 2006, which will then consider the appropriate next steps.