ITA apologises to Valentina Cavallar for anti-doping test carried out just hours after her mother's death

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has apologised to Valentina Cavallar for carrying out an out of competition anti-doping test just a few hours after her mother had died.

The ITA manages anti-doping for the UCI and claimed it was only made aware of the death of Cavallar's mother when they arrived at her home in Austria.

In a statement sent to Domestique, ITA said that Cavallar and her family cooperated fully with the procedure, and no concerns or requests to postpone or discontinue the control were raised at the time or afterwards.

"The International Testing Agency (ITA) extends its sincere condolences to Valentina Cavallar and her family following the loss of her mother," the statement said.

"We fully recognise that undergoing a doping control in these circumstances has added to her distress experienced at an extraordinarily painful time. We have been in touch with the rider directly and apologised." 

Cavallar revealed her distress about losing her mother and the anti-doping test in a post on Instagram. The SD Worx-Protime rider questioned the lack of compassion shown during one of the most difficult moments of her life.

"You can spend so much of your life chasing goals, pushing your limits, measuring success in results, victories and achievements. But losing someone you love makes you realise how little of that truly matters in the end," Cavallar wrote.

"What made this experience even harder was that just a few hours after my mum had passed away, I had to undergo a doping control at home, in the room next to where she lay.

"I understand the importance of clean sport, and I have always respected the responsibility that comes with being a professional athlete. But in that moment, I was clearly not thinking about cycling, competition or my responsibilities as an athlete. I was a daughter who had just lost her mum."

"Having to navigate a doping control in those circumstances felt deeply painful, profoundly out of place and disrespectful towards my family. It was a moment that made me reflect on how easily we can forget that behind every athlete, there is a human being with a life, a family and emotions that do not simply disappear when the responsibilities of professional sport begin.

"I believe in clean sport. But I also believe that humanity, compassion and respect should never be forgotten."

When contacted by Domestique, the ITA said they looked into the context of the test and claimed the Doping Control Officer carried out the test as discreetly, respectfully and swiftly as possible, with the rider's and her family’s support.

"The ITA remains committed to ensuring that the protection of clean sport goes hand in hand with respect, compassion and care for athletes," the statement said.

"We will also continue to always encourage athletes to report any concerns either during or after a doping control, so the ITA can take the appropriate measures to ensure a proportionate balance between the fight against doping and every athlete’s right to privacy and wellbeing."