Anti-doping authorities at the Tour de France have firmly rejected claims of favoritism towards Paul Seixas, the 19-year-old French rider currently in fourth place overall. Seixas and his Decathlon CMA CGM team underwent testing alongside the rest of the peloton on Monday evening, part of the biological passport program. However, he has not yet faced the nocturnal test that both race leader Tadej Pogacar and the withdrawn Jonas Vingegaard experienced.

Matej Mohoric, riding for Bahrain Victorious, expressed concerns over fairness, stating, "It would be good to guarantee equal treatment for everyone," highlighting that Seixas did not undergo the night-time test.

The International Testing Agency (ITA) responded to the accusations, emphasizing that they determine testing protocols based on facts, risk assessments, and scientific insights, independent of external influences. They clarified that the AFLD (French anti-doping agency) may assist but does not dictate testing schedules.

The UCI, cycling’s governing body, supports the ITA's night-time testing but acknowledges the disruption it causes to riders' recovery. Mohoric noted the challenges of being tested at 5am, stressing the necessity for effective doping controls to uphold the sport's integrity.

In recent race developments, Jasper Philipsen won the 17th stage from Chambéry to Voiron in a chaotic sprint finish, marking his first victory of the Tour. Meanwhile, Adam Yates, a vital support for Pogacar, struggled with a stomach bug, finishing near the back of the peloton. Pogacar expressed hope for Yates’ recovery, especially with demanding mountain stages ahead.