BANNED PRODUCTS SEIZED IN QUICK STEP RAIDS
Belgian police raided homes of several riders and trainers from the Quick Step team this morning, seizing banned doping products.
The Belgian public prosecutor's office confirmed the raids, involving around 40 police officers, took place at addresses across the country.
A spokesman for the public prosecutor, Tom Janssen, said: "According to first indications, banned products were seized."
Earlier this year, the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws alleged there was a doping culture in the team which was allowed to continue undetected because the squad had a mole at the UCI who told them in advance when anti-doping tests were planned.
The team's manager Patrick Lefevere denied the allegations and has sued the newspaper for more than 20million euros (around £12m).
When contacted by the Belga news agency for comment about the raids, Lefevere said: "I don't know anything about this business. I can't really say anything."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
A steel fixed-gear machine is the only bike you’ll ever need – here’s why
In a world of readily available carbon-frame bikes with 12-speed cassettes and compact cranks that allow you to spin up your local monster hill at your preferred cadence, why would you opt to ride a steel fixed -gear bike? Allow me to convince you...
By Pete van der Woude Published
-
Meet the long-haul trucker who’s clocked 600+ hours on his bike this year
From Zwifting in his cab to conquering the open road, this bike racer-turned-long-haul trucker makes the most of his life on the road
By Caroline Dezendorf Published