The 2026 off-season unfortunately won't pass by without a new doping case. French para-cyclist Thomas Peyroton-Dartet (41) tested positive for EPO two days ahead of his para-cycling road race world title. The athlete has been provisionally suspended while his case is under investigation.
The ITA reports that a sample collected during an in-competition testing mission conducted by the ITA on 5 September 2026 during the 2026 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Huntsville, Alabama, USA, from French rider Thomas Peyroton-Dartet has returned an adverse analytical finding for EPO (Erythropoietin).
The rider has been informed of the case and has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample. If the B-sample analysis is requested and confirms the result of the A-sample, the case will be considered as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. If the B-sample analysis is not requested, the case will also go ahead as a confirmed anti-doping rule violation. The rider will have the opportunity to present his explanations for the result.
For the period of investigation, a mandatory provisional suspension has been imposed on the rider. The rider has the right to challenge the provisional suspension and ask for its lifting.
EPO is an infamous term in the world of cycling. In 1990s and early 2000s, the substance was abused by large part of then peloton. It led to a massive expansion in anti-doping procedures and ultimately contributed to the introduction of biological passport.
EPO increases the red blood cell production, thereby increasing oxygen to the muscles. This increases the ability to exert energy and remain active for a long period of time.
Paralympic champion
Thomas Peyroton-Dartet competes in the C3 category for cyclists with "Cyclists with upper or lower limb disabilities and moderate neurological dysfunction" as defined by PBS in 2012. In 2024, he became the Paralympic champion in race against the clock. He also scored a silver medal in road race event.
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Additionally, the 41-year-old Frenchman also competes with a "regular" continental road team EuroCyclingTrips - CCN registered in Guam. Most recently, Peyroton-Dartet competed in the Chrono des Nations where he was classified OTL (out of time limit) after he clocked a time 14 minutes slower than winner Remco Evenepoel.
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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