UCI President Backs Night-Time Drug Testing After Tour de France 2026

The UCI president backs night-time drug testing after the Tour de France controversy, signaling a new chapter in cycling's anti-doping efforts. David Lappartient, head of cycling's governing body, has publicly endorsed the use of night-time tests in exceptional cases, citing the need to catch micro-dosing EPO that standard testing misses.

Speaking at the start of stage two of the Tour de France Femmes in Aigle, Lappartient addressed the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the sport. He insisted that this year's men's Tour was clean, pointing to the absence of positive test announcements by the International Testing Agency (ITA). "The ITA never make a press release about negative results, only about positive results," said Lappartient. "We didn't see any press release in the Tour de France, so it seems there was nothing in the Tour."

Night-Time Testing: A Controversial Tool

The decision to perform night-time drug testing on top cyclists like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard has sparked debate. Both riders were subjected to tests at 5am and 2am, respectively, midway through the race. While some view this as an invasion of privacy, Lappartient argues it is a necessary measure in the fight against doping.

"We will not support something they do every night on the riders. The normal hours [of testing] are not in the night," he clarified. "However, we support the ITA if they have to do some specific test, because we know that, with micro-dosing EPO, that's something you can't detect six or seven hours after."

Why Micro-Dosing EPO Is Hard to Detect

Micro-dosing EPO is a method where athletes take small, frequent doses of erythropoietin to enhance red blood cell production. This approach can evade standard testing windows, making night-time tests a strategic tool. Lappartient emphasized that the mere possibility of a surprise test creates a deterrent effect: "For the riders to know that the ITA may come, that's always a fear."

However, he stressed that night-time testing should be used sparingly. "We always have suspicion in cycling, due to our past. I know what has been done to fight against doping. Night testing is a tool in this fight, but it is not a tool to use every day. You must use it very exceptionally. It's not suspicion about any rider, but it's a global message to the bunch."

UCI's Stance on Governance and Transparency

Lappartient, who is also an International Olympic Committee member, has long advocated for transparent sports governance. His re-election as UCI president unopposed for a third term in September last year reflects his influence. He believes involving stakeholders is key to successful reform.

"I will not interfere in Fifa's matters, but I can tell you that in the UCI transparency is important," he stated. This commitment to openness is part of a broader effort to restore trust in cycling, a sport historically plagued by doping scandals.

Comparison of Testing Methods

This table highlights how night-time testing extends the detection window, making it harder for athletes to evade detection. While not a daily practice, it serves as a powerful deterrent.

Key Takeaways

• UCI president supports night-time drug testing in exceptional cases to catch micro-dosing EPO.
• No positive tests were announced during the 2025 Tour de France, indicating a clean race.
• Night-time tests were performed on top riders, including Pogacar and Vingegaard, at odd hours.
• Lappartient emphasizes transparency and stakeholder involvement in sports governance.

As cycling continues to rebuild its reputation, the balance between rigorous testing and athlete welfare remains delicate. Lappartient's comments signal a pragmatic approach, using night-time testing as a targeted weapon rather than a routine intrusion.

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