MONTREAL -- The World Anti-Doping Agency will monitor drug testing at next month's Tour de France.
The International Cycling Union signed the agreement Tuesday. WADA representatives will be able to observe all phases of the UCI's anti-doping controls, from the selection of riders to be tested to the handling of results. They will also have access to all related documents.
The WADA observers will write a report on UCI's anti-doping activities after the Tour, which runs July 3-25.
"I look forward to hearing their conclusions with every confidence as the UCI works very strictly within the standards drawn up by WADA," UCI president Pat McQuaid said in a statement.
Cycling's governing body had requested the observers in October, hoping to increase the transparency of its anti-doping efforts.
"The presence of independent observers at major sporting events contributes to strengthen the protection provided to clean athletes and to enhance their confidence, as well as the public's confidence, in the doping control and results management processes," WADA president John Fahey said.