The anti-doping storm brewing at the Tour de France has just got a whole lot more turbulent! Anti-doping authorities are fending off allegations of favouritism towards home favourite Paul Seixas, who's currently fourth in the general classification. The concern is that he's been spared the notorious nocturnal anti-doping tests that have been administered to big hitters like race leader Tadej Pogacar and withdrawn rider Jonas Vingegaard.
It's not just speculation - Matej Mohoric, a top performer for Bahrain Victorious, has gone on record saying it's high time the testing regime was made fairer. He questioned why Seixas hadn't been subjected to the 5am wake-up call that so many other cyclists have endured. "It would be great to guarantee equal treatment for everyone," Mohoric said bluntly. "We know Seixas, who's doing well in the general classification, didn't get tested at night." And he highlighted the impact of these early morning tests on riders' already gruelling schedules - it's a disruption that's 'practically the middle of the night' for cyclists.
The International Testing Agency (ITA) is adamant there's no bias in play. They point out that while they work with local agencies like France's AFLD, it's their own team that makes all the decisions on who gets tested and when. According to the ITA, their choices are based solely on 'facts, risk assessments, performances, scientific results and insights, intelligence and investigations, as well as data analysis'. They claim complete independence from external or political influence.
The governing body of professional cycling, the UCI, is fully behind the ITA's night-time testing - but with a caveat. They acknowledge that it's an exceptional measure, only used in limited and justified circumstances. This is to balance the need for tough anti-doping measures with the impact these tests can have on riders' recovery periods.
Back in the action, British rider Adam Yates is fighting a losing battle against a stomach bug. He looked far from well during Wednesday's stage, finishing third from last, and it's been 48 hours of misery for him. With three gruelling mountain-top finishes ahead - including double duty at Alpe d'Huez on Friday and Saturday - Yates' recovery is crucial to Tadej Pogacar's title defence. "Today he looked much better, eating good," said a hopeful Pogacar, "but you pay a day later when you have a bad day like yesterday. I hope he didn't go too deep into the hole and will be better tomorrow."
And while all this drama was unfolding, Jasper Philipsen snatched his first win of this year's Tour in a chaotic stage from Chambéry to Voiron. The Belgian rider celebrated his 11th career Tour stage victory - but the real story is still the testing regime controversy that refuses to go away.