Greg van Avermaet cleared of doping charges by Belgian Cycling
BMC rider had been accused of using cortisone and Vaminolact
Last Updated: 07/05/15 4:04pm
BMC Racing’s Greg van Avermaet has been cleared of doping charges after Belgian Cycling’s disciplinary commission found “no evidence" of a breach of rules.
Van Avermaet, 29, was accused of using cortisone and Vaminolact, a medicine for children. He had also been linked with Dr Chris Mertens, who is being investigated for providing ozone therapy to athletes.
Van Avermaet, who faced a ban of up to two years, admitted using cortisone in 2012 after receiving a prescription to treat a heel problem, but his defence proved he had never taken Vaminolact.
A statement released by Belgian Cycling on Thursday said: "The Disciplinary Commission of the RLVB, competent in doping, says the rider Greg van Avermaet not guilty to the offences he is charged and therefore finds that there is no reason to impose any disciplinary sanction."
In a statement released by BMC Racing, Van Avermaet said: "I am happy this nightmare is over. This has been a hard period for me. Finally, I can focus only on cycling. I want to thank my friends, family and the BMC Racing Team, who supported me."
Van Avermaet was allowed to continue competing by BMC Racing after the accusations were first brought and team president and general manager Jim Ochowicz said the decision had been justified.
He added: "We never doubted Greg's innocence. We are pleased with the decision."
