“The King of the Selfie didn’t like that I visited” – Bruyneel hits back after UCI questions Tour de France appearance

Johan Bruyneel’s unexpected appearance at the 2025 Tour de France has triggered a swift response from cycling’s governing body, reigniting old tensions around one of the sport’s most controversial figures. The UCI has formally contacted race organiser ASO to explain how the Belgian, banned for life from all UCI-sanctioned events, was granted access to restricted areas during the race.

The former US Postal Service directeur sportif, banned for his central role in the Lance Armstrong doping scandal, was spotted last week as a guest on the Vive le Vélo television program and seen in locations requiring official accreditation. While the UCI does not control the Tour’s day-to-day access management, it reminded ASO that individuals under active sanction are forbidden from participating in any capacity at races under its umbrella, even unofficially.

Bruyneel, true to form, did not stay quiet.

“It seems that the president of the UCI, David ‘The King of the Selfie’ Lappartient, did not like that I visited the Tour de France last week,” Bruyneel wrote on social media. “I have already told him many times, also in person, that I consider his attitude hypocritical.”

He added that after receiving the UCI’s press statement, he reached out to Lappartient again directly, but had not yet received a response.

Bruyneel’s presence was not discreet. He mingled with teams, media, and guests in areas inaccessible to the general public, triggering immediate questions about whether he had been formally credentialed by ASO or was allowed access through unofficial channels. Either way, the UCI is pressing for answers.

In a separate message, Bruyneel thanked those who made the visit possible, calling it a personal highlight. “I want to reiterate how nice it was to have been present at the Tour and how much I appreciate the gestures of welcome from so many people I met on that occasion,” he said.

The controversy puts ASO in an awkward position, forced to clarify whether Bruyneel’s visit was officially sanctioned or slipped through the cracks.