The public prosecutor’s office in Freiburg carried out a house search immediately after the positive doping test by professional cyclist Michel Hessmann became known. This was confirmed by the authority on dpa request.
“On August 16, 2023, a court order issued at the request of the Freiburg public prosecutor’s office was executed and the suspect’s apartment in the Freiburg area was searched by officers from the Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Police Office. Data carriers were seized. Doping substances were not found. The seized data carriers are currently being evaluated.” , said the prosecutor.
Hessmann tested positive for a diuretic
Hessmann, who is a teammate of Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard and Giro winner Primoz Roglic at the Dutch Jumbo Visma racing team, tested positive for a diuretic during a training control on June 14 in Germany. The drugs stimulate urine production and thus ensure the drainage of the body. He was suspended by his team in August after the case became known.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, only Hessmann is being investigated. It is still unclear whether there will be a criminal prosecution. The presumption of innocence applies.
Hessmann made his Grand Tour debut at the Giro d’Italia this year after becoming European champion in the mixed relay in 2020. Hessmann still has a contract with Jumbo-Visma until 2024.
