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ITU licenses technology fraud software from UCI

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) announced it has licensed the UCI’s technological fraud software to combat mechanical cheating in all events that appear on the international triathlon calendar.

“ITU is committed to providing a fair competition for athletes,” said ITU President and IOC Member Marisol Casado. “This software will allow ITU, our National Federations and Continental Confederations, as well as other triathlon event companies to minimize the possibility of foul play.”

This week, 12 ITU Technical Officials, including five ITU staff members, received training from Mark Barfield, the Technical Manager of the International Cycling Union (UCI), on the proper use of the software, which ITU will begin using at any approaching international event.

“The course was really useful for us in learning not only how to use the equipment properly, but also the science behind it,” said ITU Sport Director Gergely Markus. “I feel that the course prepared us well to not only detect mechanical fraud, but also to educate the triathlon community. Thanks to the UCI for the development of this product and course.”

The UCI software utilizes magnetic resistance technology, which has proven most consistent and reliable in detecting technological fraud.

ITU will offer this service to other triathlon companies via one of the technical officials that received training from the UCI. ITU will also have the opportunity to train more technical officials itself all around the world, so any event can be in close reach by the certified officials.

ITU will also connect National Federations directly to UCI to explore the opportunity to purchase the license themselves.