Dutch magazine spats with Van Heeswijk over doping allegations
Former US Postal rider recants comments
Former US Postal rider Max Van Heeswijk has come into conflict with the Dutch magazine NUSport over a story published this week. In the interview which was carried out by journalist Nando Boers in June, the former professional talked extensively about his years with the team of Lance Armstrong and reportedly admits to using performance enhancing drugs.
Two people named by Landis may co-operate with authorities
Federal prosecutor appointed to Landis probe
Individual doping likely not the focus of FDA US Postal investigation, says source
Armstrong shrugs off FDA investigation
A summary of the Sports Illustrated Lance Armstrong investigation
Armstrong investigation progressing, but case is 'solid'
Van Heeswijk rode with the US Postal and Discovery Channel teams from 2003 to 2006, but was not a part of any of Armstrong's winning Tour de France squads. US Postal has been the subject of a federal investigation in the United States, which is examining alleged systematic doping in the squad.
According to the magazine's website, nusport.nl, Van Heeswijk, after making comments on the use of performance enhancing drugs to Boers, requested that the statements be removed from the story. When the journalist refused, Van Heeswijk allegedly grabbed the tape out of the recorder and threw it into the trash.
NUSport said it reported the tape as stolen to the police in Belgium, where Van Heeswijk lives, after trying and failing to get a response from the rider.
Despite a last minute request from Van Heeswijk to retract the story, the magazine went ahead with its publication this week, but Van Heeswijk dismissed the article on Dutch television. "It's just tabloid journalism. I've always been a clean rider there was no talk of doping," he said on the Dutch channel L1. "I will definitely take a lawyer."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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