The International Cycling Union (UCI) has defended its approach to night-time doping tests on riders during the Tour de France. “Although the UCI is aware of the burden this places on the riders, it nevertheless emphasises that these tests serve a greater good: the fight against doping,” the organisation said. The fight against doping is an absolute priority.
The UCI acknowledged “that night-time doping tests can interfere with riders’ recovery”. It went on to state that such tests outside regular training hours are the exception and are only carried out in “limited and justified cases”. The UCI supports the International Testing Agency (ITA) “unreservedly in using all the means at its disposal to fulfil its remit to the best of its ability”.
Inspections at Lipowitz as well
The night-time checks were carried out by the ITA. They were authorised by a court in Paris, as reported by the French sports newspaper *L'Equipe*. This marks the first time the provisions, which were introduced into French law in 2015, have been applied.
Before Florian Lipowitz was forced to withdraw following a crash on Tuesday, doping tests were carried out across the entire Red Bull team at around 10.00 pm the previous evening. Tadej Pogacar had been tested at 5.00 am on Sunday, ahead of the gruelling 15th stage. Jonas Vingegaard had also been visited earlier, at 2.00 am; on the following stage, he suffered a tragic crash and was forced to withdraw from the race.
Consequently, the approach drew criticism. Double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel described it as “inhumane” and a “disgrace”. The International Cyclists’ Association (CPA) called for a reform of testing practices.
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