Team GB cyclists at the Paris Olympics will have their saliva analysed to test for possible concussions.
By comparing molecule biomarkers found in the saliva, doctors hope to determine whether a cyclist has suffered a concussion from a crash and aid their return to riding.
Trials have been undertaken in contact sports, such as rugby union.
Team head of medical Nigel Jones said British Cycling is the first cycling federation to introduce the test.
Track sprinter Jack Carlin, who will compete for Team GB in Paris, said: “Concussion is different to a physical injury and feeling safe and confident getting back on the bike isn’t always straightforward.
“Being provided with a clear picture of when we can safely resume various stages of training and return to competition, enhancing our safety and performance, will make a huge difference.”
Riders going to Paris have provided baseline saliva samples and if they suffer a crash, their diagnosis and recovery will be monitored via a comparison of the biomarkers with the baseline and subsequent samples.
The move is part of a research project between British Cycling and Marker Diagnostics, a company which specialises in biomarkers.
Dr Jones, who previously worked as team doctor for the England men’s rugby union team, said: “Some cycling disciplines certainly are contact sports if you look at a lot of track cycling; a sprint finish in a road race, people have their shoulders out manoeuvring into position.
“Yes, you may have less concussions than rugby as a sport, but the significance of those concussions is just as equal because riders are quite often coming off at anything up to 70kph and we know that helmets may mitigate against the risk of catastrophic traumatic brain injury, they don’t mitigate the risk of concussion.”
