Johan Bruyneel, Lance Armstrong's ex-manager, critiques the UCI for their statement denouncing his Tour de France appearance
In an unexpected turn of events, Johan Bruyneel, a cycling personality who was banned for life due to anti-doping violations, made an appearance at the 2025 Tour de France in restricted areas. This move has sparked a public dispute with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and raised questions about his authorization to be present.
Bruyneel, who was initially banned for ten years, had his ban extended to a lifetime ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sport following an investigation into the US Postal Service and Discovery Channel teams. His latest appearance at the Tour de France, while participating in a Belgian TV program called Vive le Vélo, has reignited tensions due to his historical doping scandal involvement.
The UCI, in response, has reaffirmed that Bruyneel’s lifetime ban prohibits him from any activity related to cycling events. The organization has criticized the Tour de France organizers, ASO, for granting Bruyneel accreditation, and has demanded urgent clarification on the matter.
ASO, however, is yet to issue a statement on the matter. Karl Vannieuwkerke, the host of Vive le Vélo, has stated that there was never any objection to Bruyneel's accreditation.
In a twist of events, Bruyneel has accused UCI President David Lappartient of hypocrisy and referred to him as a "selfie king." Bruyneel stated that he has contacted Lappartient personally but has not received a response as yet.
The UCI, in a statement, has reiterated that Bruyneel is not authorized to be given accreditation due to his lifetime ban, which was issued in 2018. The organization has also emphasized that although Bruyneel can attend as a spectator, he is barred from participation or entering accredited zones.
This latest incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against doping in cycling. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to maintain a focus on the integrity of the sport and the importance of upholding the rules and regulations set in place.
[1] Bruyneel appears at the Tour de France despite lifetime ban: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/bruyneel-appears-at-tour-de-france-despite-lifetime-ban/ [2] UCI condemns Bruyneel's presence at the Tour de France: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/uci-condemns-bruyneels-presence-at-tour-de-france-369097 [3] Bruyneel accuses UCI president of hypocrisy: https://www.velonews.com/cycling-news/racing/tour-de-france/bruyneel-accuses-uci-president-of-hypocrisy-after-tour-de-france-ban-rebuke/ [4] UCI demands clarification from ASO over Bruyneel's accreditation: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/uci-demands-clarification-from-aso-over-bruyneels-accreditation/
Sports tensions have escalated following Bruyneel's controversial appearance at the 2025 Tour de France, in violation of his lifetime ban. This has sparked a public feud between the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Tour de France organizers ASO, who are yet to issue a statement on the matter.
