Greg Van Avermaet cleared of doping charges
BMC rider Greg van Avermaet will not face a ban after being acquitted of all doping charges by the Belgian Cycling disciplinary committee
BMC rider Greg van Avermaet has been cleared of doping charges after the Belgian Cycling disciplinary committee found ‘no evidence’ of any legislation breaches.
The Classics specialist was accused of using cortisone and the children’s drug Vaminolact, as well as working with Dr Chris Mertens, who is being investigated for suspected ozone doping.
Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad reports that Van Avermaet admitted to using cortisone in 2012, legally, to treat a heel problem, while he was also prescribed Vaminolact. His defence, however, proved that the rider never took the drug.
The disciplinary committee acquitted Van Avermaet after finding no infringements of the doping legislation had taken place.
“This is the victory of my spring,” Van Avermaet said afterwards. “Justice has been done. I'm no champagne drinker, but maybe we'll draw a bottle open now anyway.”
Federal Attorney Jaak Fransen had called for the rider, who finished third at both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders this year, to be banned for two years and have his results removed as far back as 2012.
But Van Avermaet has pleaded his innocence from the start, telling reporters after the news broke that he is a ‘clean and pure rider’.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"We never doubted Greg's innocence," said BMC team president Jim Ochowicz in a press release. "We are pleased with the decision."
Van Avermaet continued to race throughout the protracted ordeal, finishing seventh at the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire last weekend.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Save over $300 on a Cervélo Áspero GRX 610 gravel bike with these Cyber Monday deals by shopping around and building it yourself
The catch is that you have to build it yourself but it features some of our highest-rated products from brands like Hunt wheels, Ergon, WTB & Lizard Skins
By Matt Ischt-Barnard Published
-