Remco Evenepoel Criticises Doping Tests as Vingegaard Crashes at Tour

Remco Evenepoel Criticises Doping Tests as Vingegaard Crashes at Tour de France

What happened?

Remco Evenepoel has spoken out against the doping tests conducted at the Tour de France, calling them "inhuman" after Jonas Vingegaard crashed and broke his collarbone. The incident occurred on Sunday's stage, where Vingegaard was woken at 02:00 and race leader Tadej Pogacar at 05:00 local time for tests.

Why it matters for Remco Evenepoel

Evenepoel's comments came as Vingegaard was tackling a tight right-hand bend off a roundabout when his front wheel slid out, causing him to land on his shoulder. The concertina effect caused three other riders to catapult over Vingegaard and onto spectators standing on the outside of the corner.

What comes next?

Vingegaard will have surgery on his injury in the coming days due to the severity of the fracture. The International Testing Agency, who carried out the tests, stated that they are conscious that night-time testing may be disruptive to riders' rest and recovery. However, they also have the responsibility to ensure the effectiveness of the cycling anti-doping program and the integrity of cycling races.

Evenepoel's comments have sparked debate about the timing of the doping tests, with Pogacar suggesting that disrupted sleep may have contributed to Vingegaard's crash. "It got me thinking, we had doping control they did [at] two in the morning [and] maybe this is also a reason," Pogacar said. "One night [and] your sleep is ruined and you can be a little less concentrated on the descent."

The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by riders in balancing their training and competition schedules with the demands of doping testing. As Evenepoel pointed out, "It's quite inhuman to wake us up in the middle of the night." The Tour de France will continue without Vingegaard, who showed real promise in the build-up to this year's event after dominant wins in last year's Vuelta a Espana Grand Tour and the Giro d'Italia in May.

The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the doping testing program, with the International Testing Agency stating that they have the responsibility to ensure the integrity of cycling races. However, the agency also acknowledged that night-time testing may be disruptive to riders' rest and recovery.

The Tour de France will continue without Vingegaard, who will now focus on his recovery and rehabilitation. The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by riders in balancing their training and competition schedules with the demands of doping testing.

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