After the findings of a judicial inquiry in April 2013 NADO Flanders reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Dutch cyclist for using ozone therapy in 2011 as Physical Manipulation of his blood. After notification the Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the NADO Flanders Disciplinary Commission.
The Athlete admitted the violation and denied that the ozone therapy was used for sport performance enhancement. He stated that when recommened he underwent 10 ozone therapy treatments in 2011 in order to recover from Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever) he suffered. For this purpose the doctor in question treated his tapped blood in a machine and reintroduced it into his system. The Athlete acknowledged that he was advised against using this unprescribed ozone therapy by his general practitioner.
NADO Flanders contended that the Athlete clearly underwent physical manipulation through tapping, manipulation and reintroduction of his blood into his system. He also underwent unprescribed ozone therapy against the advise of his general practitioner while this therapy is not a valid medical treatment for his diagnosed glandular fever.
Consequently NADO Flanders deemed that the Athlete had committed an anti-doping rule violation and had acted with Significant Fault and Negligence. Futher it regarded that this is the Athlete’s second anti-doping rule violation since he previously was fined and sanctioned for 2 years in October 2005 for evading Doping Control.
Considering the evidence in this case the Disciplinary Commission establish that the Athlete through ozone therapy underwent physical manipulation of his blood on multiple occasions and accordingly intentionally committed a second anti-doping rule violation without grounds for a reduced sanction.
Therefore under the applicable UCI Rules the Disciplinary Commission decides on 7 November 2013 to impose a 10.000 euro fine and an 8 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the decision.
Fees and expenses for this Commission shall be borne by the Athlete.
