The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has sharply criticised the presence of former team manager Johan Bruyneel, who has been banned for life, in the starting area of the Tour de France 2025. Bruyneel was spotted in the Tour de France start village on 17 July 2025, where he took part in the recording of the television programme "Vive le vélo" on the Flemish public broadcaster VRT1. He also met many people from the world of cycling - including photos with Fabian Cancellara and Quinn Simmons. According to the UCI, Bruyneel was in breach of his lifetime ban, which prohibits him from taking part in any cycling activities. Johan Bruyneel was banned for life from cycling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on 25 October 2018 for violations of anti-doping rules. The offences occurred during his time as team manager of the US Postal Service Pro Cycling Teams and the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team. Among other things, Bruyneel was responsible for the systematic doping surrounding Lance Armstrong. Armstrong was subsequently stripped of his seven Tour victories by the UCI. On Instagram, Bruyneel shows a photo of himself in the Tour de France 2025 village, where he stands in front of a large plaque with all the winners of the Tour de France. Lance Armstrong is still listed by the ASO as a seven-time winner.
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Clear rules for blocked persons
In its statement, the UCI emphasises that Johan Bruyneel is banned for life from any activity related to cycling in accordance with Article 10.14 of the World Anti-Doping Code and the UCI Anti-Doping Rules. Although he is allowed to attend cycling events such as the Tour de France as a normal spectator, he is strictly prohibited from participating in the event in any capacity or role or entering areas that are closed to the public. This applies in particular to areas of the Tour de France that require accreditation.
Johan Bruyneel accredited by ASO?
The UCI clarifies that the accreditation process for the Tour de France is not its responsibility, but that of the organiser Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO). The world governing body has contacted the ASO to clarify whether Bruyneel has received official accreditation, how this could have happened and to ensure that no further accreditation is issued to him. The cycling world governing body emphasised that it was following the matter closely and would take all appropriate measures. The UCI sees Bruyneel's presence in the start village and team area as a clear violation of his lifetime ban and the applicable anti-doping rules.
Johan Bruyneel responds with mockery
Bruyneel responded to the UCI's criticism with mockery in a post on X: "It seems that the president of the UCI, David "The Selfie King" Lappartient, didn't like the fact that I attended the Tour de France last week. I have told him many times, including in person, that I find his attitude hypocritical. After receiving this press release, I contacted him again personally, but he has not (yet) replied. I would like to emphasise once again how pleasant it was to have been on the tour and that I very much appreciate the many warm welcoming gestures of the many people I met on this occasion. I am waiting for your reply to my messages on WhatsApp."
Johan Bruyneel owes US Postal money
A court had ordered Bruyneel to pay 1.2 million US dollars to the US Postal Service. Bruyneel has never done so, which is why he can no longer travel to the USA. According to media reports, representatives of the US authorities even visited him in Spain last year. At his place of residence in San Sebastián de Los Reyes, Madrid, they wanted to hand over documents to him via a notary requesting him to pay the outstanding sum. However, Bruyneel refused to accept the documents.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
