Belgian prosecutor Jaak Fransen is asking for a two year suspension against Greg VanAvermaet who is accused of doping via corticosteroid in 2012. He may also have to pay, if convicted, a fine of 262,500 euros and the annulment of his results from 2012. The commission will announce its decision on May 7. He is allowed to race for the moment.
Van Avermaet has pleaded innocent. He produced a prescription to treat a heel problem which is an ongoing problem.
There are some incriminating correspondences between VanAvermaet and the Belgian doctor Chris Mertens from November 2009 to the end of 2012. He’s suspected of using Diprophos, a cortisteroid which is not banned outside of competition. Traces of the product were found at his home prior to March 2012, just before the Tour of Flanders where he finished fourth.
The prosecutor has no direct evidence, he doesn’t believe it was to treat an injury even though out of 98 doping tests, VanAvermaet has always been negative.
