Lennert Van Eetvelt cleared of doping possibilities and ready to resume racing

On April 21 the French doping authority (AFLD) asked for more clarification about a substance found in Lennert Van Eetvelt's urine during a check on February 19th at the French stage race Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var.

The substance referred to in the report is an authorised substance found in a nasal spray that is freely available and permitted in competition, provided it is mentioned during a check and its use complies with the leaflet. Van Eetvelt used the spray under advicement of his doctor and had also listed the nasal spray on the doping form at the time of the control.

However, the AFLD asked for more explanation and this was provided by Lennert Van Eetvelt over the past few weeks. "I use this nasal spray sporadically in consultation with the doctor," Lennert said, "at the doping control I had also clearly indicated the nasal spray on the form. It was therefore a surprise to me that the AFLD asked questions."

Lotto Dstny is pleased with the quick processing in this case. "We were never worried and always confident of a good outcome," said Lotto Dstny CEO Stéphane Heulot, "Lennert was only temporarily put on non-active because of the application of the MPCC guidelines to which the team complies. In the meantime, Lennert was able to provide the additional information to the French agency. We are very happy that the AFLD has followed up this case so quickly and the file can be closed after only three weeks with no further consequences for Lennert."

Lennert Van Eetvelt resumes competition on May 24 in a 2.2 stage race - Alpes Isère Tour, racing with the development team.