CYCLING: Call for rider to be released
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE CHAIRMAN of the Royal Dutch Cycling Union yesterday called on the French authorities to allow a cycling team leader arrested during this summer's Tour de France to return home. Cees Priem has not been allowed to leave France since 23 July when he and the TVM team doctor, Andrei Mikhailov, were arrested following the discovery of drugs in the team's hotel. TVM cyclists were taken to a hospital in Albertville for checks and exited the Tour.
The Royal Dutch Cycling Union president, Joop Atsma, said Priem has been held too long. A judge is due to review the case today and could order the release of Priem, who must report daily to police.
Atsma, a Christian Democrat member of Dutch parliament, said there is support across parliament for action to relieve "Priem's hopeless-looking situation." Atsma suggested French authorities were holding Priem to protest at the Dutch government's liberal drugs policy.
The investigation began last March, when customs agents found 100 doses of EPO, which increases oxygen to the red blood cells, in a team car. That only came to light following the scandal involving the Festina team, who were expelled from the Tour after riders admitted taking performance enhancing drugs.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments