Belgian customs officials in Brussels have intercepted doping products that were allegedly intended for former professional cyclist Wim Vansevenant, according to Het Nieuwsblad. The package came from Australia and is said to contain "ultra-modern doping products". It was intercepted two weeks ago at the airport in Zaventem and the case has evolved since then.
It is unclear whom the drugs are intended for and if Vansevenant has been involved with trafficking drugs to any current professional cyclists but public prosecutor and coordinator of the special combined Hormones Unit investigative team Francis Clarysse said, "I can only confirm that there is an investigation". The package was intercepted two weeks ago and has been handled with the utmost secrecy, according to Belgian officials.
Vansevenant has finished last three times in the Tour de France in 2006, 2007, 2008 while riding for Predictor-Lotto. The team is now known as Omega Pharma-Lotto. The retired Belgian cyclist was meant to escort VIP guests for the team at this year’s Tour de France that gets underway on Saturday.
According to Het Nieuwsblad, the team has confirmed that because of the ongoing investigation, they will no longer be taking Vansevenant to the Tour.
More on this coming soon…