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Cyclists' Sleep Shattered by Late-Night Doping Tests
20 Jul
Summary
- Anti-doping agency defends nighttime testing for cycling effectiveness.
- Riders criticize disruptive tests impacting sleep and recovery.
- UCI rules permit testing at any time under specific suspicion.
The International Testing Agency (ITA) has confirmed conducting nighttime anti-doping tests on Tour de France riders, including Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard. The agency defends these measures as essential for effective testing and maintaining race integrity, despite acknowledging the potential disruption to riders' sleep and recovery. These tests are conducted in accordance with World Anti-Doping Code and UCI regulations, with considerations for rider welfare.
However, some cyclists, like Pogačar, have voiced strong criticism, calling the early morning tests "a bit shit" due to limited sleep. Others have suggested such tests could be considered "inhuman" and disrespectful. The UCI's anti-doping rules, specifically rule 5.2.2, state that riders can be required to provide a sample "at any time and at any place," particularly if there is a "serious and specific suspicion" of doping.
The ITA maintains its testing strategy is confidential and risk-based, utilizing factors like performance trends and Athlete Biological Passport data. Over 360 out-of-competition tests were performed before the Tour, with 600 anticipated during the race. Samples are retained for a decade for potential re-analysis.
