UCI queries presence of Lance Armstrong's old manager Johan Bruyneel at 2025 Tour
Johan Bruyneel was present in connection to a punditry role on Belgian television, but the governing body has asked ASO to explain how Lance Armstrong's former manager - banned for life in 2018 - was given an official accreditation for the Tour de France.
The UCI has asked Tour de France organiser ASO to clarify whether Johan Bruyneel was granted an official accreditation to enter the start village ahead of stage 12 of this year’s race.
Bruyneel was given a life ban in 2018 for anti-doping rule violations during his time as manager of Lance Armstrong’s US Postal Service and Discovery Channel teams.
Although the UCI acknowledged that Bruyneel is permitted to attend cycling events “as a regular spectator,” the governing body stressed that his life ban strictly prohibits him “from participating in the event in any role or capacity, or from accessing areas that are closed to the public. This includes, in particular, areas of the Tour de France that require accreditation.”
Bruyneel posted a series of pictures to his Instagram account in recent days, including a picture of himself in the start village wearing an accreditation. He also posted pictures of himself with Fabian Cancellara, Adrie van der Poel and American champion Quinn Simmons.
“Swung by the Tour de France last Thursday in the Pyrenees for the Hautacam stage,” Bruyneel wrote. “Hung out at the Village Départ, wandered past the team buses, and said hi to half the peloton (or at least it felt like it). Great to catch up with old friends, familiar faces, and plenty of stories. Still the same amazing energy.”
Bruyneel was attending to the Tour in connection with his guest appearance on Belgian broadcaster VRT’s nightly ‘Vive Le Vélo’ analysis show.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, the UCI outlined that Bruyneel’s presence in the Tour start village was in violation of his life ban.
In accordance with Article 10.14 of the World Anti-Doping Code and the UCI Anti-Doping “Rules, Mr Bruyneel is banned for life from taking part in any activity related to cycling,” the statement read.
“As a person serving a lifetime ban, Mr Bruyneel was therefore not authorised to be present in the Tour de France start village or team area."
“The UCI would like to add that the accreditation process for the Tour de France is not its responsibility, but rather is that of Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the race organiser. The UCI confirms that it has contacted ASO to clarify whether Mr Bruyneel was granted an official accreditation, to understand how this could have happened, and to ensure that no further accreditation will be issued to him.
“The UCI stresses that it is closely following this matter and will take all appropriate measures.”
Bruyneel was initially banned for ten years in 2012 for encouraging riders to dope at US Postal and Discovery Channel. The sanction was extended to a life ban in 2018 following his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
