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18. 05. 09. - 14:00

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18. 05. 09. - 14:00

Doping investigation of Olympic champ Hoffmann

By Thomas Hochwarter

Olympic gold medal winner Christian Hoffmann is the focus of doping investigators, prosecutors confirmed today (Mon).

Prosecutors in Vienna said they were investigating the cross-country star’s possible use of a blood centrifuge secured by "SoKo Doping" investigators a few weeks ago.

The gadget was owned by former athletes’ manager Stefan Matschiner, who was released from five weeks of investigative custody earlier this month.

Prosecutors in Vienna added they were also investigating Bernhard Kohl and Michael Rasmussen. Banned Austrian Kohl and Dane Rasmussen, who has often been linked to doping, have been accused along with Hoffmann of using the centrifuge to increase the percentages of red blood cells in their bodies to improve their performances.

If found guilty, Hoffmann could be banned for two years. But if the Upper Austrian is found guilty of providing other athletes with doping substances, he could be jailed for five years.

Cyclist Bernhard Kohl, who is currently serving a two-year ban for using blood booster Cera during last year’s Tour de France, said Hoffmann was one of three athletes who had financed the centrifuge.

Kohl claims Hoffmann, Rasmussen and he acquired the machine to use it themselves but also to rent it to other athletes. Investigators found the gadget in a Budapest flat owned by Matschiner earlier this year.

Gerhard Jarosch, a spokesman for Vienna prosecutors, said: "We are investigating everyone who could have contributed to buying or using the machine."

It has been reported that several people interviewed in connection to the latest string of doping scandals have mentioned Hoffmann’s name. Gernot Tatzgern from the federal crime office (BK) said: "Hoffmann is a suspect."

Hoffmann, the Olympic gold medal winner in the 30-kilometre race in 2002, has dismissed all accusations. He told the newspaper Die Presse that he had not engaged in doping and neither knew anything about a blood centrifuge nor Kohl or Rasmussen in person.

Hoffmann, 35, said: "It’s all rubbish. This is a campaign against my person. I am happy about the investigations because it means the truth will be revealed."

Die Presse has reported that Hoffmann was questioned by investigators of the special "SoKo Doping" group on 31 March and 6 May.

Peter Schröcksnadel, head of the Austrian Skiing Federation (ÖSV), said: "If the accusations (against Hoffmann) are true, it would be evidence there is no doping structure in the ÖSV because he cooperated with a runner (Matschiner) and a cyclist (Kohl)."

Austrian Times

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