Jonas Vingegaard open about doping and tests (and the one that he once missed): "Phone was in the kitchen"

Jonas Vingegaard has no problem at all with the fact that, as a cyclist, he is frequently tested for doping. In an interview with Ekstra Bladet, the Dane said that he wants cycling to be and remain clean, although he himself has missed a test at times in his career.

Vingegaard, who has regularly faced doping allegations after dominating two Tour de France victories, has always remained level-headed about it. He doesn't mind having to indicate his whereabouts every day on an app - for testing purposes - when he is on holiday. This is particularly because he once missed a test in 2019. "I had left my phone in the kitchen, and our doorbell wasn't working. They tried to call me, but I couldn't answer. It wasn't pleasant, but they came back two days later," says the leader of Jumbo-Visma.

Vingegaard understands doping criticism

Vingegaard wasn't penalized for this incident, as it can happen occasionally. Cyclists need to always be alert and reachable. "I've thought about how to prevent this from happening again. It's not very difficult. You just have to always remember. It's not so complicated when you are at home. It's good that we are constantly tested, and it helps that my tests are always negative. Though it's a hollow concept, considering riders were tested twenty years ago too."

Vingegaard acknowledges that cheating is always possible. As a Tour de France winner in the spotlight, he doesn't contradict the critics. "Riders cheated back then, so people believe they will do it again, even though I never test positive. When you win, you get tested, even if you're wearing the leader's jersey. I think I've been tested around sixty to seventy times in 2023, something like that. Sometimes it's just a urine test, but sometimes it's blood work, or both."