Cyclocross: We reported about it yesterdaythat the three Belgians Tom Meeusen, Laurens Sweeck and Bart Wellens were dropped from the national squad for the World Cup because of acute suspicion of doping. Now Tom Meeusen, who claims his innocence, has spoken out.
As of now, the World Cross Country Championships in Tabor, Czech Republic, will take place without the three Belgians. But at least Tom Meeusen wants to fight for a possible participation - he rejects any accusation and protests his innocence. The stumbling block are connections to the doctor Chris Mertens, who is under acute suspicion of having carried out prohibited ozone treatments on 19 professional athletes. Although he is a patient of Dr. Been Mertens said Meeusen, yes “I was only ever there for harmless injections. That's really all I have to blame myself for." the 26-year-old continues.
After recent strong performances, the young Belgian was definitely one of the favorites at the World Cup on January 31st / February 1st. Understandably, his disappointment is great: "It's just frustrating. We have a week to go before the World Cup and I really believed in my chance." At first the news came as a real shock to him: “My first thought was really to throw in the towel. So you lose all fun in cycling. But I will not give up and I will fight. I want to prove as soon as possible that I've done nothing wrong. I haven't seen this doctor in two years and I'm driving better than ever!”
The last word will certainly not have been spoken in this matter.
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