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Kohl accuses former Gerolsteiner doctor of doping involvement

published 12 October 2009

Doctor Mark Schmidt now works for Milram, denies allegations

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Bernard Kohl, 27, races at the 2008 Tour de France (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Suspended Austrian cyclist Bernhard Kohl accused former Gerolsteiner team doctor of supervising doping at the 2008 Tour de France, according to Austrian newspaper Kurier.

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"He oversaw the doping practices," said Kohl of team doctor Mark Schmidt. Schmidt advised Kohl how to dilute his blood in a saline solution, added Kohl.

Kohl finished third overall and won the mountains classification of the 2008 Tour de France. However anti-doping results revealed he used the blood booster Erythropoietin (EPO) CERA. He admitted to doping October 15.

Kohl said he had a blood transfusion with the help of former manager Stefan Matschiner in Schmidt's hotel room in Aurillac, France, July 11. "I asked Schmidt where we can best organise the blood transfer. Mark offered his room," said Kohl. Schmidt went to dinner during the transfer.

Kohl has worked with Austrian anti-doping police since he admitted doping. The Kurier interview is the first time he has implicated Schmidt in supervised doping.

Schmidt, who now works for Milram, denies Kohl's claims. He "had no knowledge of the doping practices of Mr. Kohl during the Tour 2008," said his father and lawyer, Ansgar Schmidt.

Kohl is serving a two-year suspension for doping.