Michel Hessmann has reached a resolution in his doping case, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) settling on a seven-month suspension for the young German cyclist. The 23-year-old tested positive for the banned diuretic chlorthalidone during an out-of-competition control on 14th June 2023, leading to his suspension by the Jumbo-Visma team on 16th August last year.
Initially facing a potential four-year ban after the b-sample confirmed the positive result, Hessmann managed to secure a more lenient punishment. The German National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) accepted his explanation that contaminated over-the-counter painkillers could have caused the positive test. However, after WADA’s appeal, the final suspension was set at seven months, allowing him to return to racing on 14th March 2025.
Despite the reduced ban, Team Visma-Lease a Bike has announced that Hessmann will not be returning to the team. In a statement, the team said, “Michel Hessmann will no longer ride for Team Visma-Lease a Bike. The German rider has reached a settlement with WADA, the world anti-doping agency. He will be allowed to race again from 14 March 2025. Hessmann has an expiring contract until 2024 and will therefore no longer ride for Team Visma-Lease a Bike.”
Hessmann, who has spent the last two seasons with the team, had shown promise as a climber and time trial specialist. Reports from Cyclingnews and Wielerflits suggest that his departure may also stem from a misalignment on future goals between the rider and the team. With his contract set to expire at the end of 2024, the announcement on 21st August marks a notable shift for both Hessmann and Visma-Lease a Bike.
As Hessmann looks for new opportunities, the cycling world is watching closely to see where the talented rider will land next. His future prospects remain uncertain, but teams in need of a strong climber and time trialist may find a valuable addition in Hessmann once his suspension ends.
