Following numerous reactions in recent days to unannounced anti-doping tests carried out by the International Testing Agency (ITA) during the Tour de France – in particular following a statement from the professional cyclists' association (CPA) – the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) wishes to respond and reaffirm that the fight against doping is an absolute priority.

The UCI naturally acknowledges that night-time tests can compromise cyclists' rest and recovery, and wishes to reiterate that conducting such controls outside normal hours remains an exceptional measure, reserved for limited and justified circumstances. While fully aware of how burdensome such a measure is for riders, the UCI nonetheless emphasizes that these controls serve a fundamental interest: the fight against doping.

In 2021, the UCI entrusted the ITA with the management of its anti-doping program – including the planning and execution of controls – in order to guarantee its independence and maximize its effectiveness. Taking this into account, the UCI fully supports the ITA's use of every means at its disposal to carry out its mission as effectively as possible, in compliance, of course, with the World Anti-Doping Code of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), UCI Regulations and applicable legislation in each country for conducting controls (as in the present case, with the approval of the competent judge) and/or gathering information.

The UCI believes it is essential that all stakeholders unite and support the anti-doping program in place in cycling, now recognized by the competent sports authorities as a benchmark in this field.

The requirement for independence, rigor and effectiveness in its anti-doping program comes at a cost to cycling, a collective cost for all its stakeholders: more than 10 million euros are invested every year in the collection, analysis and re-analysis of samples, as well as in information gathering, at events falling within the UCI's regulatory scope, including the Tour de France. This investment reflects the UCI's determination to protect riders who play by the rules and to relentlessly pursue strengthening its arsenal against cheaters.

The UCI will continue to support the ITA in fulfilling its mission, with full and complete respect for its independence, in service of a cleaner and more credible cycling sport.