Jumbo-Visma's search for new title co-sponsor takes another blow after Hessmann's positive doping test
Cycling
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.
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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.
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Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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It concerned an out-of-competition control on 14 June in Germany. The detected product is a diuretic medicine. We await the results of further investigation. Michel has been suspended by the team until further notice.
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