Austrian Triathlete Banned For Four Years
- By Liz Hichens
- Published Jun 15, 2010
- Updated Jun 15, 2010 at 1:38 PM UTC
Austria’s anti-doping agency has banned triathlete Hannes Hempel for four years. Hempel had already been banned from competing in Ironman Austria. He had finished third at the race in 2008 with a time of 8:16:54.
NADA imposed the ban at the end of an investigation into whether Hempel gave drugs to former cyclist Bernhard Kohl. Kohl was banned for the illegal blood-booster CERA after the Tour de France two years ago.
Kohl, who retired a year ago, said Hempel gave him the drugs. The triathlete initially admitted the charge while being questioned by state prosecutors last year, but later withdrew his confession and denied any wrongdoing.
FILED UNDER: News TAGS: Austrian triathlon / drug allegations / Hannes Hempel / Ironman Austria / Triathlon doping
Liz Hichens
Liz Hichens is the Web Producer of Triathlete.com. She is an Ironman and marathon finisher and fan of all endurance sports.