ITA to deliver sixth consecutive Tour de France anti-doping program on behalf of the UCI

As part of its anti-doping mandate delegated by the UCI, the ITA is responsible for the year-round implementation of the cycling anti-doping program. Since February 2026, this mandate also includes the independent management of results management activities and whereabouts failures in international-level cycling. Within this framework, the ITA 2026 Tour de France program features a targeted, intelligence-led testing plan grounded in the latest scientific developments and risk-based analysis.

Key features of the ITA anti-doping strategy for the 2026 Tour de France include:

• Deployment of over 40 ITA and sample collection personnel at the Grand Départ in Barcelona
• Over 360 out-of-competition tests conducted on riders expected to compete in the 2026 Tour de France, in the month prior to the start of the race
• Around 600 in-competition samples to be collected during the event, with the final number determined based on the testing strategy, intelligence and investigations priorities and operational requirements
• Strengthened data analysis capacity to refine the testing and Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) strategy both out-of-competition and in-competition, with a particular focus on Grands Tours
• Strong cooperation with French and Spanish national authorities
• Long-term storage of selected samples over a 10-year horizon for their potential re-analysis in anticipation of future new detection methods or scientific developments
• Increased focus on the endogenous steroid markers measured in blood serum as part of the steroidal module of the ABP, and on the endocrine module of the ABP to better detect markers of human Growth Hormone (hGH) abuse

The strategy is based on an adaptive risk assessment approach that integrates various dynamic factors, such as rider performance trends, to ensure strategic testing throughout the event. Insights from the ABP, including the endocrine module, as well as information gathered by the ITA’s dedicated cycling team within its Intelligence & Investigations (I&I) department, inform these efforts.

Testing during the Tour de France will be targeted and may occur at any point during the three-week race, not just at stage finishes. Like every year, the yellow jersey wearer and each stage winner will be tested. In addition, all participating riders will undergo pre-race testing as part of their medical monitoring protocols. For the 2026 edition, the Paris-based WADA-accredited laboratory will serve as the primary facility for sample analysis. The ITA will also collaborate with the anti-doping laboratory in Barcelona, as the Tour will depart from the Spanish city.

The ITA is placing a strong emphasis on the period leading up to the race and conducted over 360 out-of-competition tests on riders expected to compete in the 2026 Tour de France, in the month prior to the start of the race to secure a level playing field from the outset. Following the conclusion of the race, a targeted selection of samples will be retained for long-term storage and future re-analysis based on intelligence gathered throughout the season and during the event. The ITA will continue its monitoring efforts post-Tour using all collected data.

Throughout the race, sample collection will be executed primarily by the ITA’s own experienced personnel. The ITA also works in cooperation with national anti-doping organisations and relevant public authorities and beyond to support operational coordination, intelligence sharing, and information exchange throughout the event.

The Tour de France continues to benefit from the increased resources allocated to clean sport efforts in men’s professional cycling. Following a multi-year funding initiative concluded in 2024, the UCI, UCI WorldTeams, UCI ProTeams, WorldTour organisers, and riders supported the strengthening of the ITA’s cycling anti-doping program. These resources helped strengthen critical areas such as Intelligence & Investigations, scientific development, data analysis, testing, long-term sample storage, and re-analysis.

In 2025, the ITA continued to strengthen its investigative and analytical capacities in cycling, including through the operational use of enhanced investigative powers developed together with the UCI to support evidence gathering in anti-doping investigations. The ITA also expanded its long-term sample storage strategy and re-analysis activities as part of its intelligence-led approach to protecting cycling.

“The Tour de France remains one of the most visible and demanding events in international sport from an anti-doping perspective. Our 2026 program reflects the continued evolution of cycling’s anti-doping strategy through intelligence-led testing, scientific advancements, strengthened investigative capabilities and close cooperation with our partners. We remain committed to protecting the integrity of the race and ensuring that all riders compete under the same rules and conditions,” said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen.

As part of its broader anti-doping strategy, the ITA is pursuing the feasibility phase of its longitudinal performance monitoring project based on power data from professional men road riders, developed in collaboration with the University of Kent (UK). The project is being evaluated as an additional intelligence tool to support targeted testing, advanced laboratory analysis, investigative prioritisation, and long-term sample storage. Several UCI WorldTeams, UCI ProTeams and professional male riders actively participate in the study by sharing historical power data to support the project.

The results of the feasibility study will be assessed together with the UCI to determine potential next steps for the project and any future implementation considerations.

The ITA remains fully committed to delivering a top-tier anti-doping program for the 2026 Tour de France, reinforcing its mission to protect the integrity of the race and promote a level playing field for all riders involved.