Het Nieuwsblad has reported that Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing Team) has been requested to appear before the Belgian Cycling Federation in relation to the investigation of Dr. Chris Mertens.
The federal prosecutor suspects Van Avermaet of having been involved in ozone doping. The practice is an undetectable form of blood doping in which blood is extracted, mixed with ozone and then re-injected.
This request follows a three year investigation into links between various Flemish athletes and the doctor.
Van Avermaet has denied any form of doping. According to the article in today’s newspaper, his lawyers are looking for acquittal, but he may face a two year suspension. It wasn’t clear whether he would start today’s Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. He refused to comment on the news yesterday.
In addition to Van Avermaet, two other cyclists, Bart Wellens and Tom Meeusen, have also been requested to appear before the committee on March 13 and professional footballer Karel Geraerts is due to appear a few days later.
