Doping at the 2007 Tour de France

Alexandre Vinokourov LBL2006 cropped

Doping at the 2007 Tour de France was a significant scandal that affected the 2007 edition of the Tour de France, one of the most prestigious annual cycling races. The event was marred by numerous doping allegations and positive tests, which led to several riders being expelled from the race and increased scrutiny on the sport's efforts to combat performance-enhancing drug use.

Background

The Tour de France is a three-week-long race that covers over 3,500 kilometers (2,200 mi) throughout France and occasionally passes through nearby countries. Doping had been a recurring issue in professional cycling, with the 1998 Tour de France, also known as the "Festina Affair," being one of the most notorious scandals prior to 2007.

2007 Doping Incidents

The 2007 Tour de France faced a series of doping incidents that overshadowed the competition:

• Alexander Vinokourov: The Kazakh rider, who was one of the pre-race favorites, tested positive for a blood transfusion after winning the 13th stage time trial. His team, Astana, was subsequently withdrawn from the Tour.

• Cristian Moreni: The Italian cyclist from the Cofidis team tested positive for testosterone, leading to his immediate withdrawal from the race and the withdrawal of the entire Cofidis team.

• Michael Rasmussen: The Danish rider was removed from the race by his team, Rabobank, while he was wearing the yellow jersey as the overall leader. Rasmussen was not accused of failing a drug test but was removed due to violations of team policy regarding his availability for out-of-competition testing.

• Iban Mayo: The Spanish cyclist tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), a substance that enhances endurance by increasing the production of red blood cells.

These incidents led to a significant loss of credibility for the race and the sport of cycling. The organizers and the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) faced increased pressure to implement stricter anti-doping measures.

Aftermath

In response to the doping scandals, the UCI and race organizers implemented more rigorous testing procedures and established the Biological Passport program in 2008. This program monitors the athletes' blood values over time to detect signs of doping. The 2007 Tour de France served as a catalyst for these changes, highlighting the need for continuous efforts to clean up the sport.

Impact on Cycling

The doping scandals of the 2007 Tour de France had a profound impact on professional cycling, leading to a loss of sponsors, fans, and credibility. However, it also marked a turning point in the fight against doping, with increased efforts to ensure a cleaner and more transparent sport.