The case against former pro rider Wim Vansevenant in relation to the alleged importation of doping products looks like it may have come to an end today, with a court in Bruges dismissing the case today.
The former professional ended up in hot water just before last year’s Tour de France when Belgian customs officials in Brussels intercepted what it said at the time were ‘ultra-modern doping products’. These were allegedly ordered from Australia by Vansevenant, who competed as a pro between 1998 and 2008, riding with teams such as Collstrop, Predictor Lotto and Silence Lotto. He finished last in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Tours de France.
He was said to have ordered the product TB-500 over the internet, but was reported at the time as saying that it was for his personal use only.
Vansevenant had been due to work with the Omega Pharma Lotto team at last year’s Tour, having a role as one of five coach drivers transporting VIP guests on the race. The team denied all connection with the seized substances.
The case against the 40 year old weakened recently when it was revealed that a chemical analysis had shown that the ampoules contained amino acids only rather than doping products. Vansevenant may have been duped by those he bought the product from, but this led to today’s ruling that he doesn’t need to appear before a criminal court.
“My client is cleared from prosecution for breaches of doping legislation,” said his lawyer Marijn Van Nooten, according to Sportwereld. “This is logical, since they were not doping products. For the importation of medicines he has been given a suspended sentence.”