UCI defends ITA overnight anti-doping protocols during Tour de France

The UCI has formally defended the International Testing Agency's decision to conduct surprise, middle-of-the-night anti-doping tests on top Tour de France contenders Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. While the tests have sparked controversy regarding athlete welfare and recovery, the governing body maintains that such measures are essential to the integrity of the sport. It remains unclear if these specific nocturnal protocols will be standardized for future high-profile cycling events.