Recent anti-doping tests at the Tour de France have stirred significant controversy, particularly the unannounced, early morning checks on top riders like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. Pogačar was tested at 5 a.m. on Sunday, while Vingegaard was woken at 2 a.m., leading to widespread criticism from riders and their unions, who labeled these tests "inhumane" and disruptive to recovery. The International Testing Agency (ITA) defended the actions, stating they are part of a comprehensive Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) program and that a French judge granted a court order allowing testing outside the standard 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. window, which is typically restricted in France.
All 166 remaining riders were subjected to tests on the second rest day, with the ITA confirming that these were part of an ongoing intelligence and risk-based anti-doping program. The ABP system tracks biological markers over time to detect potential doping rather than immediate detection of specific substances. The UCI, cycling's governing body, backed the night tests as an exceptional measure necessary for maintaining the sport's integrity, acknowledging they disrupt rider rest but asserting that the fight against doping is an absolute priority. The UCI emphasized that these specific controls are reserved for "limited and justified circumstances."
The night-time controls have been strongly criticized by the CPA union, representing professional cyclists, which argued that such practices are counterproductive due to their negative impact on a rider's recovery. Some within the peloton, including Matej Mohoric, also described the early wake-up calls as disrespectful and potentially dangerous, with Vingegaard crashing out of the race on the subsequent stage after his 2 a.m. test, raising questions about whether disrupted sleep factored into his accident. Riders also highlighted that they financially contribute to funding extra doping controls, stemming from cycling's tainted past.
