MONTREAL, September 11, 2007 - The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has welcomed the announcement by the French Minister for Sport, Roselyne Bachelot, that a high-level summit on doping in cycling will be held in October in Paris.

This follows an initial offer from WADA on July 26 to convene a meeting of all parties involved in cycling to have an in-depth discussion on how to deal with the problem of doping in this sport following the recent exposure of doping cases and other revelations in cycling, as well as a meeting between Minister Bachelot and WADA President Richard W. Pound on August 28 in Paris.

"As the independent international body responsible for promoting, coordinating and monitoring the global fight against doping in sport, WADA is willing to further assist cycling and all other sports in finding solutions to the doping issue," said WADA President Richard W. Pound.

"Given France's very close links with cycling, especially through the Tour de France history, it is perfectly fitting that this high-level meeting be held in Paris, and we thank the Minister for her initiative. Now that all parties have indicated their willingness to take part, WADA's initial offer to convene a meeting no longer needs to be sustained, and WADA will be pleased to participate in this summit in any appropriate way."

The summit will be held on October 22-23.