Night-time drug tests used for first time at Tour de France to close EPO detection window

Night-time anti-doping controls, permitted since 2016 but never previously used at the Tour de France, were deployed at the 2026 edition. Riders from five teams were tested between 11pm and 6am — including Tadej Pogacar at 5am and Jonas Vingegaard at 2am. The International Testing Agency targeted night hours because micro-dosed EPO — the blood-boosting drug — becomes undetectable six to seven hours after administration. UCI president David Lappartient called the tests "a global message to the bunch," not suspicion of any individual rider, and said they should remain exceptional.