Possibility of jail time dismissed for Michel Hessmann following positive test

Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Michel Hessmann tested positive for a diuretic outside of competition following the 2023 Giro d'Italia and ever since his career stands on a thin rope. However, the German rider will not face jail time as that separate case was dismissed.

In Germany, doping laws are very tight around athletes and if malice and use of prohibited substances is proved, it can not only lead to a suspension from the sport - as most atheletes - but also possible jail time. This will not happen to the 22-year old however, as Wielerflits confirms that the Freiburg Public Prosecutor's Office has dismissed the criminal investigation. 

This has no influence on whether the athlete will be suspended from the sport or dismissed by the Dutch team, but ends the chance of a worst consequence. However as the months go by little to no new information is revealed on the case, and at the time being it is not known whether the former Tour de l'Avenir stage winner may return to the peloton or not.