The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has revealed the details and results of tests carried out at all 21 stages of the 2023 Tour de France. This is part of its programme to fight against technological fraud (the presence of any propulsion systems hidden in tubes and other bike components).
UCI noted that a total of 997 tests were carried out. All were negative.
Of the tests carried out, 837 were conducted before the start of Tour stages using magnetic tablets, and 160 at the end of the stages using either backscatter or transmission X-ray technologies.
Before each stage, a UCI Technical Commissaire was in the team paddocks to test – using magnetic tablets – all the bikes used at the start. Tests were also carried out after each stage on the bikes used by the stage winner, the yellow jersey rider and the six other riders required to go for an anti-doping test, selected at random or who might give rise to suspicion.
The post-stage technological fraud controls were carried out using either backscatter or transmission X-ray technologies.
The UCI added that, as far as road cycling is concerned, it carries out bike tests at all UCI WorldTour events, as well as at the UCI Road World Championships, the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships, the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup, the UCI Women’s WorldTour and the Olympic Games.
Testing is also carried out at the UCI World Championships for mountain bike, cyclo-cross and track, as well as the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup.
UCI Director General Amina Lanaya said “The large number of tests carried out at the 2023 Tour de France as part of our technological fraud detection programme sends a very clear message to riders and the public: it is impossible to use a propulsion system hidden in a bike without being exposed.
“To ensure the fairness of cycling competitions and protect the integrity of the sport and its athletes, we will continue to implement our detection programme and to develop it further.”
