Cycling: Patrik Sinkewitz is making negative headlines again! According to various press reports, the former German professional cyclist was taken out of the classification after two stages at the Giro delle Dolomiti. The two-time doping sinner concealed his ban, which lasted until 2022, from the organizers of the amateur race when he registered. The German ex-professional – who was active for the Quick Step team and the German team Telekom – may now face further consequences.
Patrik Sinkewitz: Caught twice & banned until 2022
How could this happen? The organizers of the 41st Giro delle Dolomiti allowed a rider who was actually suspended to register for their race. His name? Patrik Sinkewitz - by far not an unknown ex-professional! The now 36-year-old German took part in the Tour de France at his best. However, he is best known for his doping offences. Patrik Sinkewitz was banned for a year in 2007 because of testosterone. After his comeback, he was caught again in 2011. This was followed in 2014 by an eight-year ban for taking growth hormones. A lesser ban was not intended for repeat offenders. This officially ended his career in professional cycling. After that it became quiet around him.
Patrik Sinkewitz is illegally taking part in the public race
If we add 2014 and 8 together, we get 2022. Patrik Sinkewitz is officially suspended until this year and is not allowed to participate in any bike races. However, this fact did not stop him from simply signing up for the Giro delle Dolomiti as a rider for the team "Giro Dolomiti Friends" enroll. The tour began on July 30 with the first stage, on which Sinkewitz promptly finished third. The following day, he finished sixth, putting him fourth overall. Only then did the organizers notice the well-known name. They then immediately removed Patrik Sinkewitz from the ongoing competition. But that shouldn't be his only concern. He also faces an aftermath because registering as a blocked driver is not allowed.
Mr Tikki says
It's funny that Jan Ullrich, started a few years ago under the pseudonym "Max Stark", wasn't removed as well. Must have been 2013!
Gunnar says
What other consequences does he face? The article mentions that more are looming, but to what extent or what exactly is not even remotely mentioned. However, I find that very interesting.
Uwe says
What is the purpose of this regulation of ex-professionals at Jedermann races? Everyone's races are everyone's races.
This demonizing of ex-dopers is a witch hunt. It is completely ignored which anti-doping service P.Sinkewitz regarding the enlightenment around the UK. Freiburg has done. In this case, there is no clarification, in Freiburg the dirt is swept under the carpet.. And nobody wants to hear the two ex-dopers Sinkewitz and Jaksche... respectively, they are simply not allowed to cycle anymore.
Michael says
A little tip in terms of journalistic due diligence: FIRST talk to those affected, THEN report on the topic... and don't simply copy from "various press reports".
Bernhard says
...What should stop is this "idolatry" of sports fraudsters who harm young people and cycling in PARTICULAR!
He has been convicted of doping several times, has done little to nothing to raise awareness, has done nothing for the anti-doping fight since and appears to be a rather compulsive person who has again intentionally broken the rules.
THIS IS NOT AN ATHLETE!
What the athletes do with their doping practices is more like witchcraft than witch hunts.
Anyone who wants to protect fraudsters and doesn't give sport a chance for fairness and honesty doesn't want to accept true SPORT and, in my opinion, doesn't disqualify themselves for fair sport!
Tom says
I see it, like Bernhard, that sports fraudsters (especially those who have been caught several times) should be removed from professional sports and the public. But banning him from participating in a public race is going too far in my opinion. 1. I would have thought that the ban would not apply to hobby races and 2. let the poor guy ride his bike in his free time, what else should he do?
I find it disproportionate that he should have gotten another 4 years for this: http://cycling.today/uci-extends-patrik-sinkewitzs-doping-ban-for-competing-while-suspended/