Tour de France: Anti-doping agency admits controls may have disrupted riders' rest

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has acknowledged that its anti-doping controls, which required cyclists Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard to be woken in the early hours of Sunday morning, may have disrupted their rest. The agency, responsible for anti-doping efforts for the International Cycling Union (UCI) since 2021, stated that it took steps to minimize the inconvenience to the athletes.

Controls were conducted on Vingegaard at 2 a.m. and on Pogacar at 5 a.m., outside the typical testing window which usually falls between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. This practice has drawn criticism from some within the cycling peloton, who argue that such late-night or early-morning tests can negatively impact athletes' recovery.

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nocturnal controls can disrupt the rest and recovery of the riders.

An ITA spokesperson told Le Figaro that while "nocturnal controls can disrupt the rest and recovery of the riders," the organization "paid particular attention to the maximum reduction of the impact of these controls on the riders." The agency maintains that its procedures are designed to be as minimally disruptive as possible, even when conducted outside standard hours.

The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between the need for rigorous anti-doping measures and the athletes' requirements for adequate rest and recovery, particularly during demanding events like the Tour de France. While the ITA defends its methods as necessary for effective anti-doping, the timing of these specific controls has sparked debate within the sport.

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paid particular attention to the maximum reduction of the impact of these controls on the riders.