German professional cyclist Michel Heßmann, who was temporarily banned after a positive doping test, will soon be allowed to return to racing. As Heßmann’s lawyer announced on Friday (June 21, 2024), the four-month ban will be brought forward by three months.
As of July 22, Heßmann is now entitled to return to professional cycling and take part in competitions. Heßmann, who comes from Münster, tested positive in an out-of-competition test last year. According to his lawyer, Heßmann had “taken a common, over-the-counter painkiller.”
According to NADA, Heßmann tested positive for doping because of “contaminated medication”
Referring to the reports and analyses obtained, NADA stated that the most likely cause of the positive urine sample was the ingestion of a contaminated medication.
“There is therefore always a residual risk of (even unconscious) ingestion of a prohibited substance when taking (…) medication,” says the NADA. In the NADA’s view, this residual risk is to the detriment of the athlete.
Public prosecutor’s investigation discontinued
Before the conclusion of the NADA result management procedure, the public prosecutor’s office had closed its investigation into suspected violations of the anti-doping law in January due to a lack of suspicion. Heßmann is under contract with the Visma-Lease a Bike team, the team of the reigning Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard. He has not yet competed in a race this season.
