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Sinkewitz cleared of HGH doping charges

By Cycling News

published 21 June 2012

WADA guidelines not proven to be scientifically reliable, German sports court rules

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Patrik Sinkewitz (ISD - Neri) after winning the Giro della Romagna.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Patrik Sinkewitz (Farnese Vini-Neri Sottoli) returned an adverse analytical finding for HGH.(Image credit: Stephen Farrand)

Patrik Sinkewitz (ISD - Neri) outsprinted Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago - CSF Inox) to win the Giro della Romagna.(Image credit: Riccardo Scanferla)

Patrik Sinkewitz has been cleared of charges that he illegally used human growth hormone (HGH). The World Anti-Doping Agency's guidelines for the values were not shown to be scientifically reliable, according to the German Sports Court in Cologne.

Sinkewitz returns adverse analytical finding for Human Growth Hormone

Sinkewitz denies doping and wants his B sample tested

Sinkewitz says UCI falsely claimed substance found in his body

Sinkewitz B-sample confirms growth hormone

Sinkewitz challenges human growth hormone positives

Sinkewitz to sue UCI over doping suspension

Sinkewitz HGH doping case still pending, 11 months later

The positive test was announced in March 2011, and the German, then riding for Farnese Vini- Neri Sottoli was the first cyclist to be suspended for using HGH. He has consistently denied the charges.

The NADA has said it will appeal the decision. “We are not in agreement with this ruling. In particular, it is not explained why these high values were measured in Mr. Sinkewitz's blood. Therefore we will appeal to the CAS,” NADA chief legal adviser Dr. Lars Mortsiefer told the dpa news agency.

This ruling “has a fundamental meaning for sports law,” Sinkewitz's attorney, Rainer Cherkah, said. “It looks right now like a stage win” for his client.

Sinkewitz served a one-year suspension after testing positive for testosterone before the Tour de France 2007, and would face a lifetime ban if doping charges were again upheld.