Tadej Pogacar faces night-time doping control during Tour de France lead

Tadej Pogacar confirmed he underwent a night-time doping control while leading the 2025 Tour de France. The two-time champion revealed the unannounced out-of-competition test took place during his stint in the yellow jersey.

What happened?

The Slovenian superstar said the control occurred at his hotel in the early hours, shortly after he took the race lead. Pogacar described the process as standard but noted the timing disrupted his rest ahead of a critical stage. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) conducts these tests under strict anti-doping protocols, with no advance warning given to riders.

Why it matters for Tadej Pogacar

For Pogacar, the timing adds pressure as he bids to become the first man to win three Tours in a row. The night-time disruption comes just days after he extended his lead over Jonas Vingegaard, his closest rival. Riders often cite sleep disruption as a factor in performance, especially during high-stakes weeks of the race.

How doping controls work in the Tour

The UCI’s no-notice testing spans blood and urine samples, covering biological passport markers and prohibited substances. Pogacar’s team confirmed full cooperation with the controls, which are routine for race leaders. The system aims to deter doping while maintaining fairness across the peloton.

What comes next?

Pogacar faces a tough mountain stage on Wednesday, where Vingegaard could attempt to claw back time. The Slovenian will now prepare for the next control window, knowing more tests could arrive at any moment. His ability to manage fatigue while maintaining focus will be key in the coming days.