Team Rabobank reacts to the doping claims made by Theo de Rooij
A renowned Dutch newspaper Volkskrant accused that Team Rabobank authorised the use of systematic doping until the end of 2007.
It reported that Team Management allowed the cyclists to choose their own products under the watchful eyes of the medical experts to ensure their health.
The paper also named three cyclists involved in the Human Plasma blood doping ring including Michael Boogerd.
Former Dutch cyclist Theo de Rooij was the Team Manager from 2003-2007 and he admitted the use of doping products during an interview with Volkskrant.
However, the team has negated the allegations and has briefed that it will take no actions on the matter.
Rabobank is the main sponsor behind the team and it stated to Cyclingnews, “We're surprised and disappointed about the statements made in the paper. We won't react on the content”.
“We are satisfied with the direction we've chosen since the beginning of the new management and with the way we perform”.
“We will obey the rules of the sport and comply with what's agreed with our sponsor Rabobank.
“We will stick to our policy of zero tolerance and to get to the top with young Dutch talent".
It has also said that the issue was investigated once in 2007 and there will be no further examination on the matter.
“Since 2007 there is a new board of directors and new leadership. We want to stress that within the team there is a zero tolerance policy”.
Team Liquigas is enjoying a good season under the watchful eyes of its new General Manager Erik Breukink.
It currently holds the tenth overall spot after the 201 UCI Teams rankings with a total number of 273 points to its credit.
Bauke Mollema (132), Matti Breschel (60), Lars Boom (40), Luis Leon Sanchez (25) and Michael Matthews (16) contributed their bits to help the team with its tenth place finish after the first quarter of the season.
The Dutch side is currently seen in action at the Giro d’ Italia and holds the 11th overall spot after the stage 3 classifications.
Team Garmin-Barracuda is leading the category with Team BMC, Team Orica-GreenEdge, Team RadioShack-Nissan and Team Sky at the next four spots.
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