Jumbo-Visma management say that after six months and counting, their young rider, Michel Hessmann, does not yet have any news about the consequences of his positive test for a diuretic.
A former Tour de l’Avenir podium finisher, German Hessmann, 22, tested positive for the banned substance on June 14, 2023, and the result was then confirmed in a ‘B’ test on November 3rd.
Removed from the active racing program by Jumbo-Visma when the news broke in August and waiting for a definitive verdict on his case from the German Anti-Doping Authority, Hessmann was missing from the Visma-Lease a Bike’s 2024 team presentation earlier this week. His last race was the Road World Championships in Glasgow, where he was a DNF.
Team management confirmed that the rider has yet to receive further news about his positive test, with CEO Richard Plugge telling Sporza.be
Meanwhile, earlier this week, lead sports director Merijn Zeeman told Wielerflit s
“Michel has been inactive since the information emerged, and that is why he was not present at the team presentation.”
The website also approached the German anti-doping authorities for an update but came away empty-handed, being by the press officer that “I ask for your understanding that we do not comment on ongoing procedures.”
Hessmann himself continues to train at home in Germany, Sporza.be reported, while the wait continues.