The UCI has vowed to strengthen its anti-doping programme following an independent audit of the procedures of cycling’s governing body.

Performed by the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organisations (iNADO), the audit reviewed the UCI’s current anti-doping programme, including test distribution planning and the training and accreditation of doping control personnel.

Doping control procedures, results management and data security was also reviewed, with the audit finding the biological passport programme to be outstanding.

The UCI was also advised on changes to be made in order to comply with the forthcoming 2015 WADA code.

UCI president Brian Cookson said: “I was pleased that the audit found that the Biological Passport programme is outstanding and that Results Management is excellent.

“The UCI will now make the necessary changes to policies, structures and procedures in order to further improve the programme and ensure compliance with the 2015 WADA code.”

Among the recommendations suggested were eliminating the possibilities of advance notice testing, and ensuring the independent authority of the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation is respected on issues of technical doping control.

It was also advised the practice of referring cases to national federations for prosecution be reviewed, especially in the case of the biological passports where the risk of jeopardising the time and work performed was judged to be considerable.

The iNADO audit is totally separate and autonomous from the Cycling Independent Reform Commission, which is investigating allegations of wrongdoing at the UCI and has called for testimonies.

The deadline for the iNADO recommendations has been stated as January 1 2015, giving the UCI the rest of this calendar year to act on them.