Jumbo-Visma's search for new title co-sponsor takes another blow after Hessmann's positive doping test

A doping case is always inconvenient, but for Jumbo-Visma Michel Hessmann's positive test for a diuretic comes at a very unfortunate time. Especially since team boss Richard Plugge is busy looking for a large, new international main sponsor. The Hessmann case does not make that search any easier, is the conclusion in the latest WielerFlits Podcast.

Of course Michel Hessmann's positive doping test was the main topic of the day. There are still many questions about the case of the German Jumbo-Visma climber, for example about the reason for using it. Did the team know about it, did Hessmann act alone or was it by accident? "Until there is clarity, we must give Hessmann the benefit of the doubt," says Raymond Kerckhoffs.

The consequences for Jumbo-Visma can be major, especially in the search for a new sponsor. According to Plugge, several companies have come forward, but nothing concrete has yet been announced.

Talks with Saudi Arabia's NEOM City were at an advanced stage, but according to Raymond, they have stalled before the Tour de France. "You also hear that current sponsors who want to continue, do not want to go along with a Saudi main sponsor," he adds.