Both sides appeal Sinkewitz suspension

By Susan Westemeyer

Both sides are appealing Patrik Sinkewitz' one-year suspension for doping, the Bund Deutsche Radfahrer (BDR, German cycling federation) announced Friday afternoon. The BDR's judicial committee suspended him for one year and ordered him to pay a fine of 40,000 Euro. The BDR's presidium said that it would review the decision at a meeting on January 21. The BDR said that it had also been informed that the rider is also appealing the sentence.

"The BDR is appealing its own decision? I don't understand that," the 27 year-old told the dpa press agency. He then said that he would also appeal the sentence. His attorney, Michael Lehner, conceded that Sinkewitz had not yet paid the fine. He hopes to have the suspension reduced to six months.

Both sides had applauded the sentence when it was handed down. Since then, however, both Lehner and Sinkewitz have given interviews critical of the BDR, and that, together with the unpaid fine, is suspected to be the basis for the BDR's action.

Sinkewitz tested positive for testosterone during an surprise out-of-competition doping control while at a training camp for the Tour de France. He was given a reduced ban of one-year because he cooperated with the investigators.