Leukemans suspended for two years

Bj&ouml;rn Leukemans — Björn Leukemans (Image credit: Brecht Decaluwé)

The disciplinary commission of the Vlaamse Gemeeenschap (Flemish Community) has given Björn Leukemans a two year suspension for using testosterone, beginning February 14. The former Team Predictor-Lotto (now Silence-Lotto) rider indicated that he would appeal the ban.

The Commission was not persuaded by arguments that he relied on the doctor's advice and was therefore innocent. "Even if the product is prescribed by a doctor, the rider still remains responsible for what he is administered," it ruled.

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The rider did not give a comment on the ban, but his lawyer, Kristof de Saedeleer, told Sporza.be, "He is totally disillusioned. He has lost all faith in other people. However, there is no doubt that we will file an appeal. We find the sanction out of proportion."

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Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.