Jonas Vingegaard admitted to missing an anti-doping test in an interview with the Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet. The two-time Tour de France champion did not specify the date of the incident but expressed that it was not a pleasant situation. “It’s not something fun to miss,” he commented.
“I was with my phone in the kitchen, and the doorbell didn’t work at that moment,” Vingegaard recalls that moment. “They tried to call me, but it quickly became clear to them that it was impossible to reach me. Of course, that’s not cool, but in the end, they came back two days later.”
Vingegaard reveals being tested over 60 times in 2023.
The Jumbo-Visma leader, who claims to have been tested between 60 and 70 times in 2023, is disappointed to have not responded once when inspectors were at his door. “It’s not cool to have a missed doping test hanging over your head. It’s certainly something you think about afterward to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” he states.
UCI’s location system remains in effect.
The location system continues in cycling. Cyclists must indicate the time and location each day for verification. “It’s not very difficult, but you have to remember. It’s a hassle, but not too difficult when I’m at home,” says Vingegaard.
“It’s good that you can always be tested,” says the Tour winner. “That certainly helps. You know all your tests are negative, but it also feels empty because they were also tested 20 years ago… Somehow, cyclists can still cheat.”
Note that a cyclist who fails three tests in a year may face temporary suspension.