A 21 year-old Belgian rider from the TW Classic club has been caught buying the illegal blood boosting product Aranesp, according to reports in the Belgian press. The rider, "N.D" from Deinze, had bought the drug in 2004 from a teammate who wanted to get rid of it. The Flemish anti-doping agency got wind of it and started a process against N.D. In his defence, he claimed that he "did not use any forbidden products, only food supplements."
N.D's lawyer asked for a reduced penalty in order not to put his client's future in jeopardy. The young rider risks a ban and a fine of €3000. The anti-doping commission will decide on the case on October 4.
