In a dramatic turn of events that shook the cycling world to its core, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has officially responded to widespread rumors that Slovenian cycling sensation Tadej Pogačar was under investigation for doping. The global cycling organization issued a strong statement denying any ongoing investigation into the two-time Tour de France winner, effectively putting an end to the storm of speculation on social media and internet forums.
The rumors began circulating after an anonymous post claimed that several of Pogačar’s teammates at UAE Team Emirates had reported him to the UCI for using performance-enhancing substances. The sensational claims spread rapidly, fueled by dubious social media accounts and conspiracy forums focused on cycling, sparking heated debates and casting doubt on Pogačar’s impressive performances this season.
However, in a strongly worded statement released earlier today, the UCI made it unequivocally clear that there is “no current or pending investigation” into Tadej Pogačar and that “no formal or informal complaint” had been filed — neither by teammates nor anyone else. The organization also called on the media and public to refrain from spreading unfounded accusations that damage athletes’ reputations without credible evidence.
Pogačar himself appeared unfazed by the swirling controversy. Speaking to reporters ahead of the start of Liège–Bastogne–Liège, he dismissed the rumors as “a distraction” and emphasized that his focus remains entirely on racing. “I have nothing to hide,” he said. “I’m tested constantly. This is just noise from people who don’t want to accept that success can come from hard work.”
UAE Team Emirates
UAE Team Emirates also issued a statement in support of their star rider, calling the rumors “malicious and false,” and reaffirmed their commitment to clean sport. “There are no internal concerns, no reports, and no doubt within the team regarding Tadej’s performances,” the team declared.
Analysts and insiders suspect the false rumors are part of a growing trend of disinformation campaigns targeting top athletes in endurance sports. “Success inevitably breeds skepticism, but the lack of credible sources here speaks volumes,” said cycling journalist Marco De Vries. “There’s a big difference between healthy scrutiny and baseless character assassination.”
In recent years, Pogačar has emerged as a dominant force in professional cycling. He not only wins races but also garners admiration for his resilience, consistency, and apparent humility. His streak of victories in stage races and classics has made him both a fan favorite and a target of envy.
Despite the UCI’s clear statement, some online voices continue to push the narrative. They question the timing of the announcement and suggest a possible cover-up. However, doping experts point out that Pogačar has one of the most transparent biological passports in the sport, undergoing frequent and random testing by multiple agencies.
The UCI concluded its statement with a strong message: “Athletes deserve the presumption of innocence. We condemn any spread of misinformation aimed at undermining their integrity without substantiated proof.” Many believe that line was directed not only at the rumor-mongers but also at media outlets that published the story without proper verification.
Lance Armstrong’s Statement
Lance Armstrong hails Tadej Pogačar as the world’s best cyclist, praising his dominance, versatility, and remarkable performances across races. “For now, Tadej Pogačar rides on — unfazed, undefeated, and unshaken — while the cycling world is left to reflect on how quickly fiction can outpace fact in the digital age”, he said.