UCI promises even more thorough motor-doping checks at the 2025 Tour de France

At the eve of Tour de France start, the UCI had announced their programme to fight (motor-)doping at the Grande Boucle with even more thorough tests to be carried out across the next three weeks. That means pre-stage bus inspections, X-ray scanning and constant in-race monitoring by UCI Video Commisaire. 

"The UCI once again has a comprehensive programme in place to fight against technological fraud at the Tour de France. It is important that everyone can be sure that the athletes’ performances are due to their physical performance – not motors," said UCI Director General Amina Lanaya.

"Our responsibility is to stay ahead of any threat to the fairness of competition, and we continue to invest in robust detection systems and intelligence frameworks to ensure all riders and teams compete on equal terms," Lanaya added.

2024 saw the UCI conduct 192 X-ray checks during the Tour de France, representing a 17% increase from 2023, and the UCI have stated their ambitions to improve both the quantity and quality of these checks for 2025. As of the press release on July 2, more than 600 X-ray checks have been carried out so far in 2025, representing a 24% increase from the same period last year.

The screening will be conducted by International Testing Agency (ITA) with over 40 staff present at the Grand Départ in Lille, ready to collect data. All participants at the 2025 Tour de France will be checked before the first stage with yellow jersey wearer, stage winners and randomly selected riders tested after each stage.

"The Tour de France is not only one of the most iconic events in sport, but it is also a key moment for protecting the integrity of cycling. Our approach in 2025 reflects a continued commitment to intelligent, data-driven anti-doping strategies grounded in science, collaboration and continuous improvement," said the Director General of the ITA, Benjamin Cohen.

"By combining targeted testing with advanced analytical tools such as the endocrine module, long-term sample storage and performance monitoring initiatives, we aim to ensure that this prestigious race is contested on a level playing field. We are proud to lead these efforts on behalf of the UCI and in close coordination with all our trusted partners," Cohen said.