Story perspectives

Vingegaard's Collarbone Crash Amid Controversial Night Doping Tests

7/22/2026

Summary

Vingegaard Crashes

Jonas Vingegaard crashed on Stage 15, broke his collarbone, was taken to an ambulance and will have surgery on 21 July 2026, withdrawing from the Tour.
At the moment of the crash he was second overall, about five minutes behind yellow-jersey holder Tadej Pogacar.
Director Marc Reef said the squad will regroup on the rest day and aim for stage wins, starting with the individual time trial.

Summary

Armstrong Slams Testing

Paris judge authorized anti-doping tests at the Tour de France under the 2015 procedure, first use.
International Testing Agency said the tests meet the World Anti-Doping Code and French law and are allowed outside 6 a.m.–11 p.m. with suspicion.
Cyclistes Professionnels Associés called the tests intrusive and a threat to riders’ health, recovery and rights.
Tour champion Lance Armstrong called the testing a human-rights issue, criticizing waking riders at 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 Festina affair began on 8 July when customs seized EPO and other drugs in soigneur Willy Voet’s car, prompting police raids, team expulsions and the creation of WADA in December 1999. Retrospective testing later found 44 of 60 1998 samples positive. That precedent underpins today’s 2026 Tour anti-doping raids, targeting riders such as Jonas Vingegaard.

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Vingegaard Crashes

Jonas Vingegaard crashed on Stage 15, broke his collarbone, was taken to an ambulance and will have surgery on 21 July 2026, withdrawing from the Tour.
At the moment of the crash he was second overall, about five minutes behind yellow-jersey holder Tadej Pogacar.
Director Marc Reef said the squad will regroup on the rest day and aim for stage wins, starting with the individual time trial.

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