Lotto doctor denies cortisone doping charges

Lotto Belisol doctor Jan Mathieu has said that he doesn't understand the fuss regarding claims of  cortisone shots at the team, and denied having given cortisone for anything other than medical reasons.

The Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad reported that Philippe Gilbert and others received cortisone on prescription from Lotto doctor Jan Mathieu with the aim of boosting his performance. The use of cortisone is forbidden unless the rider holds a therapeutic use exemption stating that he is taking it to treat an injury.

An anonymous former Lotto rider is said to have claimed that he also received the cortisone from Mathieu, “and he told me that he did the same thing with Gilbert.” Gilbert, now with BMC, has denied all the allegations.

"I do not understand the fuss,” Mathieu told Sporza.be. "I'm proud that I've worked with Gilbert and that has nothing to do with steroids."

"With my hand on heart I can say that I would only give a cortisone treatment for medical reasons. So it is indeed 100 per cent legal because it is not on the WADA list."

The doctor noted that he often prescribes it in his private practice. “Cortisone is in ointment, nasal spray, eye and ear drops, in many (products). Why should an athlete not use this prescription?"

He also applauded the UCI's decision to hold a cyclist out of racing for eight days after receiving cortisone. “ It's definitely not a good idea to exercise when you have received a cortisone shot in your knee."

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1