Tadej Pogacar's surprising champion pick amid Tour de France anti‑doping focus

Double Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar has announced a surprising choice for his successor champion, selecting a less‑known rider whose climbing ability and competitiveness have drawn attention to team strategy and talent development within professional cycling.

Separately, the Tour de France maintains rigorous anti‑doping protocols. The UCI and the International Testing Agency conduct over 600 urine and blood tests during the race, with selected riders undergoing checks in a specially equipped mobile lab. Samples are stored for future analysis, reflecting ongoing efforts to curb both biological and mechanical doping on the world’s most prestigious road race.