Bart Wellens accused of doping as the Belgian Police searched his house
Cyclo-cross rider Bart Wellens’ house was searched by the Belgian police on Wednesday, following a doping investigation. Two other cyclists were also involved in the search operation, including Wellens’ brother Geert.
The cyclist was treated with kidney and heart problems recently, meanwhile, his doctor and wife both briefed that doping was not involved.
Wellens told Sportwereld that after a detailed search, the police could not find anything against him.
He cited, "This is not fun, but I am right in my shoes. I have no problem with the investigators doing their job. I could be holed up here and deny all comments. But I do not. I have nothing to hide, so I talk about it openly”.
The investigation was based on Luc Van den Broeck, who manufactures CONCAP, the dietary supplement.
Wellens also confirmed that he knows Broeck and is using his supplement since a long time.
Bart briefed that a number of other cyclists are also using CONCAP and there is absolutely nothing suspicious about them.
The 33-year-old explained that the search through his premises was not pleasant at all but he let the police complete their job as he had nothing to worry about.
The officers also took his personal computer to look through the emails.
Bart will be interviewed later on after the investigation standard procedures are completed. He understands that the only thing he is worried about is that the search will definitely ruin his image.
“When people hear this, they will naturally think: Hello? A search? Then there must be something going on. I will have to take a lot of s**t. That's not funny, absolutely not. I already felt really rotten all day”.
Both Wellens and Broeck were previously investigated for doping back in 2006. Van was accused of supplying Chinese EPO but was cleared in April 2006. Wellens was also dropped from the investigation.
Bart is considered to be a top cyclo-cross rider and his most recent victory came on December 17th after he dominated in Essen.
The cyclist’s involvement with such an issue is truly a disaster for the sport and the final verdict on his case can only be made after the Belgian Police finishes its standard operating procedures.
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