High pressure cleaning systems builder Kärcher, main sponsor of the Superprestige European cyclo-cross race circuit, has announced that it is reconsidering its financial backing of the sport following the confessions of cross rider Ben Berden, who tested positive for EPO in December and now admitted his use of the forbidden substance.
In a press release, the company's management declared it did not want to be associated with doping and its inherent sporting treachery. "After the doping affair of Mario De Clercq, cyclo-cross still had the benefit of doubt," it said in the communiqué. "But the recent developments have increased our indignation." Ex-world champion Mario De Clercq is involved in the Landuyt case in Belgium and is still under investigation.
