Gerdemann's 2006 blood values produce mixed opinions

Scientific experts disagree as to whether an analysis of Linus Gerdemann's blood values from the first half of 2006 indicate some form of doping. Although public prosecutors are not investigating Gerdemann, both Team Milram and the sponsor have asked for a full explanation.

On Sunday, German broadcaster ARD claimed to have a blood analysis report from the investigation of organised doping at Team Telekom/T-Mobile at the Freiburg University Clinic. ARD said the analysis showed noteworthy variations in his haemoglobin values in the first half of 2006.

Gerdemann, 27, denied doping. Westfälische Nachrichten" asked today if he ever doped in the past or present and he responded with a blunt "no". He added, "As far as I'm concerned, they can open all my doping controls from the past and check them under the new methods. I have nothing to hide."

ARD's claims are impossible to prove at this point, according to Hans Joachim Schäfer, head of the investigative committee. "I think it is highly likely that the blood no longer exists," Schäfer told SID. "The name Gerdemann doesn't appear in my report," he added.

Public prosecutors in Freiburg, who are investigating former team doctors, said they are not investigating Gerdemann.

The report shows changes in Gerdemann's haemoglobin values, which ranged from 17.2 to 14.2 g/dl from January to May 2006, according to ARD. It's "clearly over the expected fluctuation," said Professor Klaus-Michael Braumann, who analysed the data for the ARD. He said normal fluctuations are up to 1g/dl.

Klaus Völker, doctor of sport medicine at the University of Münster, said that such fluctuations can be the result of an infection or dehydration, however.

Milram sponsor, Nordmilch AG, asked for its team to clear up the issue. "Charges have been made. The team and Gerdemann must address the issue," company spokeswoman Godja Sönnichsen told SID.

"We always follow a very clear line on this issue," team manager Gerry van Gerwen told Cyclingnews. "We don't know the details of the charges against Linus Gerdemann. When all the facts have been presented to us, then further steps will follow."