Former World Junior Champion and Visma rider returns from doping suspension
CyclingTuesday, 18 March 2025 at 03:30
After spending a year and a half on the sidelines due to a
doping suspension, Michael Hessmann is set to return to racing on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old German has made the switch from Team Visma | Lease a Bike to
Movistar Team, marking a fresh start as he looks to rebuild his career.
Hessmann last competed in August 2023, shortly before a
doping test detected traces of Chlorthalidone, a banned substance. This type of
drug helps reduce fluid retention and can also act as a masking agent, which is
why its use is prohibited both in and out of competition. The results were
later confirmed by a counter-analysis, leading to his immediate suspension.
At the time of his ban, Hessmann was regarded as one of
Germany’s most promising young talents. A former junior world time trial
champion, he had already gained valuable Grand Tour experience, finishing 33rd
at the 2023 Giro d’Italia. His suspension brought his momentum to a halt,
leaving uncertainty over how his career would progress.
In June 2024, the German anti-doping agency NADA reviewed
his case and ruled that it was plausible Hessmann had unknowingly taken a
contaminated medication, with potential sources including paracetamol,
ibuprofen, or naproxen. The initial ruling required him to serve just one
additional month of suspension. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision, arguing for a harsher punishment.
Once again, we're talking about doping in cycling. Is his case a unique one? And how do you feel about his return to competition?
Read also
Following months of deliberation, a settlement was
eventually reached, allowing Hessmann to return to competition from March 14,
2025. And so, this week, the former top talent is back racing.
Now, with the suspension behind him, Hessmann will attempt
to rebuild his career with Movistar, where he has the opportunity to prove
himself once again in the professional peloton. His first race back will mark
the beginning of a crucial period, as he looks to move past the controversy and
re-establish himself at the top level of the sport.
Read also
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maria2024202402-05-2025 - I see a list of South Americans for this Giro again: Richard Carapaz, Daniel Martinez, Egan Bernal, Nairo Quintana, etc.Ride197402-05-2025
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Not all doping cases are equal. I've known Rob Stannard since he was a kid. His suspension was for a bio-passport irregularity. Rob presented both a plausible explanation and medical evidence that WADA was unable to discredit. However they refused to accept it and in the CAS case Rob was told unless he was able to replicate the irregularities perfectly then his evidence wouldn't be accepted. However this was 4 years later and your body's biomarkers are different at 23 than at 19, so it was literally physically impossible to do what was required and so he was sanctioned in spite of wada being unable to demonstrate he had acted illegal. All this is to say that not all doping positives are evidence of cheating
Tend to agree but sadly, many people forget that as soon as it concerns someone they don’t appreciate.
Not all doping cases are equal. I've known Rob Stannard since he was a kid. His suspension was for a bio-passport irregularity. Rob presented both a plausible explanation and medical evidence that WADA was unable to discredit. However they refused to accept it and in the CAS case Rob was told unless he was able to replicate the irregularities perfectly then his evidence wouldn't be accepted. However this was 4 years later and your body's biomarkers are different at 23 than at 19, so it was literally physically impossible to do what was required and so he was sanctioned in spite of radars being unable to demonstrate he had acted illegal. All this is to say that not all doping positives are evidence of cheating