Patrik Sinkewitz, formerly of the T-Mobile and Quick Step teams reportedly told the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) during hearings in 2007 that Quick Step engaged in “systematic doping”. The German rider said that he received cortisone injections before each race as well as doses of EPO and growth hormones. He added that his hematocrit values were measured regularly to adjust the doses he received.
He revealed this on Germany’s Frontal 21 television program, which is broadcast by the ZDF network.
After having seen the defamatory television program Frontal 21, broadcast on German television channel ZDF. Team Quick Step announces that it absolutely contests the false and defamatory content that was aired. Therefore the team will launch appropriate legal actions with the appropriate courts to protect its image and rights.
“It’s obvious – team manager Patrick Lefevere says – that the false statements regarding the team that were broadcast on the Frontal 21 program were suspiciously used only a few hours before the start of the one of the most important cycling event such the Tour de France, and only a few days before an important point in proceedings in the slander case between the ex-world champion and former Quick Step rider Paolo Bettini and the ZDF for the well noted events at Stuttgart 2007.”
