As the sun set over the Tour de France course, the peloton began to settle into its usual rhythm. However, for some riders, the night was just beginning. Anti-doping officials showed up at 5am to conduct random tests, waking up key competitors like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. Notably, the young French cyclist Paul Seixas was not among those chosen for the night-time testing. This has sparked controversy among both athletes and fans.
On Monday, Seixas and his Decathlon CMA CGM teammates underwent part of the biological passport testing process. Yet, the 19-year-old missed out on the late-night round of tests that both Pogacar and Vingegaard had to endure. Matej Mohoric, a rider for Bahrain Victorious who did receive a night test, publicly questioned the inconsistency. He stressed the importance of treating all competitors fairly, especially given Seixas’ notable position in the race.
Seixas’ exclusion from the night test has drawn criticism from other riders. Mohoric highlighted the significance of the French rider’s current standing in the general classification and pointed out why his absence from the testing was so noticeable to many observers.
ITA Denies Bias, Explains Testing Strategy
The International Testing Agency (ITA), which manages the anti-doping program for the Tour de France, has firmly denied any accusations of favoritism. In response, the ITA emphasized that the French anti-doping agency, AFLD, does not have control over which riders are tested and when. 'Our decisions are rooted in facts, risk assessments, performances, scientific findings, and intelligence,' the ITA said in its statement. It added that these choices are made with the goal of being as exact and unbiased as possible.
Cycling’s governing body, the UCI, supports the ITA's approach but is clear that night-time testing is a special tool used only in limited, justified situations. While acknowledging that these late tests can interfere with athletes' rest and recovery, the UCI said that the ultimate aim—eradicating doping—justifies the disruption.
In the meantime, the Tour moved forward with its 17th stage, covering 175 kilometers from Chambéry to Voiron. The stage was chaotic and fast-paced, with several groups forming and breaking apart before Jasper Philipsen led a small group into the finish. This marked his first win in the current Tour, with Philipsen, the 2023 points classification winner, now adding 11 stage wins to his career total.
Not every athlete experienced success on the day. Adam Yates, a crucial mountain support rider for the defending champion Tadej Pogacar, struggled to the finish line. The British cyclist had been dealing with a stomach bug for nearly two days, and he appeared visibly weak and tired. 'He looked terrible,' Pogacar remarked after Tuesday’s time trial. While Yates showed some improvement on Wednesday, Pogacar remains cautious as the race moves into the final mountain stages.