Cycling: Rumors are circulating about Rafal Majka of the German team Bora-hansgrohe. The Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Andrea del Nista allegedly testified that the Polish cyclist received growth hormones and testosterone during his youth. Del Nista has since addressed the issue and denied all allegations. Andrea del Nista is the sporting director of the Italian youth team Altopack, which is implicated in the current doping scandal surrounding the death of Linas Rumsas.
Investigations after the death of Linas Rumsas
Several members of the Italian youth cycling team Altopack were questioned and even arrested by police a few days ago. According to the investigation into the death of Linas Rumsas , they are suspected of involvement in the handling of banned substances. During questioning, Andrea del Nista, a sporting director of Altopack, reportedly stated, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport , that Rafal Majka received growth hormones and testosterone as a junior rider.
The Polonais Rafal Majka, double laureate du maillot à pois sur le Tour, accusé de dopage par un ancien coéquipier https://t.co/NucfNKAYng
— Sudpresse (@sudpresseonline) February 12, 2018
Majka drove under the leadership of Frediani
Rafal Majka, the two-time winner of the Tour de France's King of the Mountains classification, rode for the Gragnano SC team under the management of Elso Frediani years ago. The Italian is one of the main suspects in the Altopack scandal. Meanwhile, other newspapers worldwide are also reporting on Del Nista's statements, but all of them refer to the Gazzetta dello Sport.
Sports Gazette:
"Del Nista testified that Majka, who was trained by Frediani, was said to have taken testosterone. The ampoules were deposited in neighbor Tomeigo's garden. Del Nista added that Majka's lower jaw changed as a result of this treatment. He got squarer.”
Rafal Majka, acusado of consuming testosterone https://t.co/F8TtBZKwd9
— AS Ciclismo (@AS_Ciclismo) February 13, 2018
[Edit]: Majka denies allegations
After the rumors about Rafal Majka made the rounds in a number of newspapers - especially in his home country Poland - the accused commented on the allegations on Facebook late Tuesday evening.
“It is about the media reports in which the word doping appears near my name and I hereby declare that I do not agree with these slanders. These could result in a loss of trust among my friends and my fans. They damage my image as an athlete and are a direct attack on my achievements, which I have achieved through hard work, sacrifice and frequent separation from my family. I am proud to represent my team and my country in international competitions and I cannot allow my name to be involved in unfair activities that are not my responsibility. I was never a part of the Altopack team's rule breaking. "