THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch cycling union has suspended former German rider Grischa Niermann for six months after he admitted using EPO from 2000 to 2003 while racing for the Rabobank team.
Niermann became a coach employed by the Dutch union when Rabobank officially halted its sponsorship of men’s professional cycling Jan. 1.
The 37-year-old Niermann says he will divulge further details of his EPO use to anti-doping authorities and a commission set up by the country’s cycling authorities.
Niermannn said in a statement Monday he wants to use his “negative experience” to encourage young riders to reject performance-enhancing drugs.
He received a sixth-month suspension rather than the standard two-year ban. Under a Dutch policy, cyclists who confess to doping can receive a reduced sanction if the offense took place before 2008.
