Following the leak of an internal UCI document, the World Anti Doping Authority has launched a private investigation into the incident that ultimately led to the publishing of a “Suspicion List”. The aforementioned list ranked 198 professional cyclists in order of suspicion, from zero (not concerning) to ten (highly suspect) based on a ‘variety of blood values’ taken before the 2010 Tour De France. The list was leaked over a year after being compiled, and ended up being published in French newspaper, L’Equipe.

Among the many cyclists listed, David Millar of Garmin Cervelo suggested that “heads should roll” at the UCI Headquarters. After much speculation as to how the ranking of a rider was determined, WADA took it upon themselves to investigate the incident – of which comes at a good time for the many riders of the pro peloton who have never tested positive for any banned substances, and somehow find themselves ranked higher than “mildly suspicious” on the UCI list.

Interestingly, WADA has offered its full support to the UCI itself, as the governing body for professional cycling begins an internal examination, and tries to find their own answers for “a rather embarrassing leak” in an incident which has taken a fairly sizable chunk out of the already crumbling reputation of the UCI.

Less predictable will be the reaction of the riders that were published on the list. More so from a legal perspective than a Twitter outburst, it has been suggested that some riders may take legal action against the UCI for leaking the list. One such example involves ‘Celio Sport and Image’ acting as an agent for many Belgian riders, who have shown interest in taking the matter against the UCI to court on grounds of defamation.

Looking in from the sidelines, one can only wait and watch how the event unfolds. Leading up to the Tour De France, it is hoped an incident like this won’t ruin the appeal of the Tour De France, like many doping related incidents have done in the past. The UCI promised a cleaner future for professional cycling, but this just might be taking things a little too far…