"It is the dose that kills", training with carbon monoxide will be talked about a lot in the coming months

Detalo Health, the company that markets the machines for rebreathing carbon monoxide that some teams have been using is defending itself against the suspicions shown by the Movement for Credible Cycling, which initially was cautious in its opinions towards this technique and eventually moved to clear opposition requesting its prohibition.

MPCC against carbon monoxide training. The company that markets them defends itself

At the end of July, after the spectacular double achieved by Tadej Pogacar conquering the Giro and Tour in the same year, there was talk that behind the Slovenian's superhuman performance could be a new technique consisting of the use of carbon monoxide rebreathing machines.

A technique initially designed to accurately measure blood values would theoretically be used to quantify the effects of altitude training and adjust it in a way that maximizes the benefits.

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However, on the other hand, there are those who suggest that direct inhalation of carbon monoxide could be used, a practice that already carries risks as it is a toxic gas for the body, in order to achieve an improvement in blood values similar to what would be obtained with altitude training or the use of the famous EPO.

Facing these accusations, which have even led the MPCC to call for the prohibition of this technique, the well-known portal Cycling News has contacted Detalo Health, the company that markets the carbon monoxide rebreathing machines that teams are allegedly using.

The company makes it clear that they do not recommend direct inhalation of carbon monoxide to increase blood values. The purpose of their machines is purely medical, "their purpose is not to enhance performance but to use it as a diagnostic tool and, of course, that should not be prohibited. The goal of CO rebreathing is to determine blood volume," stated Carsten Lundby, CEO of Detalo Health.

He also made it clear that pushing the limits of this technique to increase hemoglobin levels can pose a serious health risk as "at some point carbon monoxide becomes toxic." Although he also made it clear that Detalo Health collects all the real-time data transmitted by their machines about their use and that any misuse would be very evident.

In any case, their intention is to continue working with World Tour teams, refining this measurement technique by taking measurements before and after cyclists' altitude training camps.