The public prosecutor's office in Freiburg immediately after it became known the positive doping test of professional cyclist Michel Heßmann a house search was carried out. This was confirmed by the authorities in response to a dpa enquiry.
Data carriers are analysed after Michel Hessmann's house is searched
"On 16 August 2023, a court order issued at the request of the Freiburg public prosecutor's office was executed and the accused's home in the Freiburg area was searched by officers from the Baden-Württemberg State Office of Criminal Investigation. Data carriers were seized. No doping substances were found. The seized data carriers are currently being analysed," explained the public prosecutor's office.
Michel Hessmann tests positive for diuretics
Hessmann, who is team-mate of Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard and Giro d'Italia winner Primoz Roglic at the Dutch Jumbo-Visma racing team, tested positive for a diuretic during a training test in Germany on 14 June. Diuretics stimulate urine production and thus dehydrate the body. He was suspended from his team in August after the case came to light.
Presumption of innocence applies
According to the public prosecutor's office, only Heßmann is being investigated. It remains to be seen whether he will be prosecuted. The presumption of innocence applies.
Heßmann made his Grand Tour debut at the Giro d'Italia this year after becoming European champion with the mixed relay team in 2020. Hessmann still has a contract with Jumbo-Visma until 2024.
Copyright 2023, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
