Jumbo-Visma suspend Michel Hessmann after positive anti-doping test

Jumbo-Visma have suspended Michel Hessmann “until further notice” after being informed that the German returned a positive result for an out-of-competition test carried out in June of this year.

The team said that the detected product was a “diuretic medicine,” but the particular substance has not been confirmed. The test was carried out on June 14, shortly after Hessmann had raced the Giro d’Italia in support of Primož Roglič.

“Today we have been informed of a positive anti-doping test result of our rider Michel Hessmann,” a very short statement posted to Jumbo-Visma’s social media on Wednesday evening read.

“It concerned an out-of-competition control on 14 June in Germany. The detected product is a diuretic medicine.

“We await the results of further investigation. Michel has been suspended by the team until further notice.”

At present, Jumbo-Visma’s brief statement is the only official notice of Hessmann’s positive test. Neither the UCI nor the German anti-doping agency (NADA) made any statement or action regarding the situation. It is also not clear whether the positive test refers to an A sample, B sample, or if further testing is required.

A number of diuretic medicines are included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list and are prohibited at all times, in and out of competition. The consequence of a positive test can be a suspension of up to four years.

Hessmann joined Jumbo-Visma at the start of 2022 after spending two years on their development squad, and rode the Giro d’Italia for the team in May of this year, supporting Primož Roglič on his way to victory.

Since June 14, he had ridden the Czech Tour and the World Championships road race, though he did not finish in Glasgow.