Michel Hessmann has house searched as investigation on possible doping case begins

In Germany, the use or administration of doping substances can lead to imprisonment. Although this has never been the case with a cyclist, the responsible authorities have now opened an investigation on Michel Hessmann of Jumbo-Visma.

“The preliminary investigation focuses exclusively on the person mentioned and not on others," the Public Prosecution Service told NOS. "Whether this will lead to criminal prosecution is still open and depends on the investigation results. The suspect will be heard before a final judgment follows. It is up to him to prove his innocence.”

The young climber, who was third at the Tour de l'Avenir last year and raced the Giro d'Italia this spring in support of Primoz Roglic, has tested positive for an out-of-competition test following the Giro for a diuretic. He's been provisionally suspended by the team who now wait for the results of the pending investigation.

It is reported that the house search, which took place in the 16th of August - the day Jumbo-Visma publicly announced the case - Hessman's house was searched, the examinators have taken 'data carriers - which can be interpreted as a laptop or phone.