The momentum is firmly with Remco Evenepoel now – the young Belgian cycling sensation has pulled off an electrifying stage 16 time trial win at the Tour de France, leaving Tadej Pogacar reeling in his wake. The reigning Olympic road and time trial champion stormed to victory from Evian to Thonon-les-Bains yesterday, outpacing Pogacar by a whopping 28 seconds and etching his name on the leader board for the third time in his illustrious career.
But as Evenepoel's triumphant display sends shockwaves through the peloton, his Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team is left licking its wounds. Teammate Florian Lipowitz has been forced to withdraw from the competition after a devastating crash on stage 16, with the suspected broken collarbone casting a shadow over what was already an uncertain season for the squad. The news comes hot on the heels of Jonas Vingegaard's departure last Sunday, leaving fans wondering if the writing is finally on the wall for these two former Tour podium finishers.
The controversy surrounding the ITA's nocturnal doping tests continues to simmer in the background, with many questioning the need for such drastic measures. The Paris prosecutor's office has been at the centre of the storm, with critics arguing that the French judicial system can be swayed by historical precedents – a notion hotly contested by those who believe these tests are essential in the fight against doping.
Jonathan Vaughters, manager of EF Education EasyPost, voiced his support for the ITA's efforts, while also highlighting concerns about the ease with which warrants might be obtained. Pascal Chanteur, vice-president of the CPA (professional riders association), expressed similar reservations, suggesting that the judge responsible was not equipped to make informed decisions on cycling-related matters.
The French sports code is clear: any testing procedures must strike a balance between protecting athlete rights and achieving anti-doping objectives. As Olivier Banuls, director of testing at the ITA, stated in May, targeted testing remains the agency's focus – but the fallout from these nocturnal tests continues to hang over the Tour like a dark cloud, casting doubt on Pogacar's pursuit of what would be a record-equalling fifth overall victory.