KLAGENFURT, Austria (AP) — Austria’s anti-doping agency has banned triathlete Hannes Hempel for four years.
NADA imposed the ban at the end of an investigation into whether Hempel gave drugs to former cyclist Bernhard Kohl. Kohl was banned for the illegal blood-booster CERA after the Tour de France two years ago.
Kohl, who retired a year ago, said Hempel gave him the drugs. The triathlete initially admitted the charge while being questioned by state prosecutors last year, but later withdrew his confession and denied any wrongdoing.
Hempel, who announced the ban Tuesday, said he would fight it through the courts.
