Michel Hessmann won’t face criminal charges amid doping case

Michel Hessmann won't face criminal charges amid his ongoing doping case after the Freiburg Public Prosecutor's Office dropped its investigation into him, according to WielerFlits.

The young German could still face a suspension from cycling as NADA's (National Anti Doping Agency of Germany) investigation into him is still ongoing.

The 22-year-old, who rides for Visma-Lease a Bike, tested positive for a diuretic medicine on June 14 in an out-of-competition test, a result that was backed up by his B sample, and the German Prosecution Office launched an investigation into the athlete soon after.

He was subsequently suspended by Visma-Lease a Bike (then Jumbo-Visma), and also faced the prospect of a ban from competition, on top of a criminal conviction if the Prosecution Office’s investigation found any wrongdoing.

However, the threat of a criminal prosecution has now ended with the decision to halt the investigation made, according to WielerFlits, because “there is no or insufficient suspicion of a criminal offence”.

• Read more: B sample confirms Jumbo-Visma's Michel Hessmann took prohibited substance

Doping has been a criminal offence in Germany since 2015 and, as a resident of the country, Hessmann could have been liable for charges. If found guilty, the crime carries a maximum three-year prison sentence, although no athletes have yet been imprisoned for any length of time for the offence. Instead, a fine is a more common punishment.

As a part of the investigation, which started in the summer of 2023 after he returned the positive test, Hessmann’s premises were searched and electronic items were taken for analysis.

Despite the decision to end the criminal investigation, the prospect of a suspension from racing still looms as NADA (National Anti Doping Agency of Germany) is yet to reveal its decision. After the return of his positive B sample, the German faces charges of having administered a so-far unnamed diuretic medicine which carries a maximum suspension of four years.

While he awaits the decision, the German remains suspended by Visma-Lease a Bike, having last ridden for them at the 2023 Giro d’Italia.