A routine out of competition drugs test performed on Van Impe caused controversy in March 2008. Van Impe was asked to give a sample for testing whilst at a crematorium making funeral arrangements for his deceased son, and was warned that failure to provide a sample would count as a refusal to give a sample, for which sanctions apply. Professional cyclists racing in the Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico performed demonstrations over the lack of respect shown to Van Impe.