Kohl's manager denies doping discussion

By Susan Westemeyer

Bernhard Kohl's manager has denied statements attributed to him saying that Kohl had discussed the possibility of using performance enhancing substances early in the 2008 season. Stefan Matschiner disputed the story which appeared on nachrichten.at.

"The fact is that Bernhard and I talk about lots of things. And in the beginning of the year we talked briefly and highly informally about doping in general and the new CERA drug for a quick time," he told Cyclingnews. "No question of should he take it or not. Not even thinking about it. Bernhard already said when he first thought about it and that was after Dauphiné!"

Matschiner continued, "I did not say 'you should not take it' then. That would imply a question from his side he has never asked! I just said 'I would not take it' but as I said, there was no question at that time and it was not an option for Bernhard back then."

Kohl is scheduled to appear before the Austrian National Anti-Doping Agency for a hearing concerning his positive controls for CERA from the Tour de France.