The Professional Cyclists' Association (CPA) has called for smarter and fairer doping testing after several participants in the 2026 Tour de France were woken up in the middle of the night to undergo tests.
The CPA reiterated its support for a strong, credible, and effective anti-doping program. However, the organization questioned the relevance of testing conducted while riders were resting and recovering.
"Nighttime testing raises questions about its relevance. Disturbing their rest in the middle of the night to undergo testing now requires serious consideration," the CPA said in a statement, as reported by Cyclingnews .
The spotlight came after Jonas Vingegaard was woken up around 2:00 a.m. local time on Sunday morning, ahead of the mountain stage to Plateau de Solaison. Tadej Pogacar underwent a similar examination about three hours later.
Pogacar and Vingegaard weren't the only riders targeted for inspection. At least five other teams were also visited by officers for testing at or before 5:00 a.m. local time.
