A doping expert says after nightly checks on Pogacar and Vingegaard that everyone who is not French is in trouble

Two leading cyclists in the Tour de France, Slovenian Tadej Pogačar and Danish Jonas Vingegaard, were woken in the early hours of Sunday for unannounced doping tests during the race’s second major mountain stage. The surprise checks, conducted by the International Testing Agency (ITA) on behalf of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), sparked widespread criticism among fans and experts alike. Many questioned how two of the best riders in the race could be disturbed from sleep, something they argue is practically their only time for recovery over the three-week event. Representatives of the teams Visma | Lease a Bike and UAE Team Emirates XRG were visited around 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., respectively, with the actions drawing sharp rebuke from Dutch anti-doping expert Douwe de Boer, who criticized the approach taken by French anti-doping agency AFDA. De Boer, formerly director of WADA's laboratory in Lisbon and now an independent advisor to top athletes, has long been vocal about his concerns regarding the rigidity of modern anti-doping policies and the ethical implications of certain testing methods. He noted that while the ITA typically conducts night-time tests only under very specific circumstances, this case was carried out following instructions or approval from AFDA. The decision to conduct such tests late at night has raised questions about the fairness and consistency of the process, particularly given the physical toll it can take on elite athletes. The ITA, which operates under the authority of the UCI and WADA, generally limits nighttime testing to cases involving strong evidence or suspicion. While UCI rules since 2016 allow testing between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., these are only permitted under justified reasons. In this instance, the tests on Vingegaard and Pogačar were authorized by AFDA, raising further concerns about the influence of national agencies in shaping the testing regime. De Boer pointed out that when AFDA takes charge of testing procedures, the application of its rules becomes unclear, potentially creating inconsistencies in enforcement across different countries. Vingegaard, a member of the Visma | Lease a Bike team, withdrew after the 15th stage due to a crash that left him with a broken collarbone. His performance was affected by the disruption caused by the early morning test, which he described as a “shock” given his usual routine. Pogačar, meanwhile, expressed frustration over being awakened just before the start of the mountain stage, noting that he had only managed four hours of sleep. Both riders emphasized that while they support regular testing, the timing of these checks can have a tangible impact on their ability to perform at their best. De Boer also highlighted the strained relationship between the UCI and French anti-doping authorities, suggesting that tensions between these bodies might explain why the tests were carried out at such an inconvenient hour. He argued that the situation reflects broader issues within the sport’s anti-doping framework, including the prioritization of national interests over fair and consistent enforcement. “When AFDA takes control, anyone who isn’t French is in trouble,” he stated, adding that the recent rise of French rider Paul Sébastien in the overall standings might have influenced the agency’s decisions. Both cyclists acknowledged the necessity of testing but stressed that the timing should consider the demands of the race. Pogačar admitted that the early morning check disrupted his rhythm, while Vingegaard noted the difficulty of falling back asleep after being woken. Despite the discomfort, both riders maintained a positive attitude toward the process, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with those who order the tests rather than the athletes themselves. Today marks a rest day in the Tour, with racing set to resume tomorrow in a solo time trial.