02. 04. 09. - 13:00

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02. 04. 09. - 13:00

Cyclist hero Totschnig accused of doping involvement

By Thomas Hochwarter

More prominent names are rumoured to be involved in what seems like the biggest doping scandal in the history of sports in Austria.

Earlier this week, banned cyclist Bernhard Kohl followed triathlete Lisa Hütthaler in accusing his former manager Stefan Matschiner of being actively involved in the doping business.

New media reports have it that retired cyclist Georg Totschnig, one of Austria’s most-successful athletes in the sport, was another customer of doping suppliers. Gerald Tatzgern, a spokesman for the Federal Crime Office (BK) that is currently investigating the case, dismissed such claims, saying: "There is currently no ‘file Totschnig.’"

Totschnig, whose biggest career triumph was to win a stage in the 2005 Tour de France, said: "I made a statement last year – there is no change in what I said back then. I’ve never met Matschiner in person. I know nothing about all that."

BK spokesman Tatzgern warned of the practice of denouncing athletes: "People with no criminal record and no evidence against them do not deserve that."

Another sporting legend fingered by sources is cross-country skier Christian Hoffmann, 2002 Olympic champion in the 30 kilometre-race.

Hoffmann, who is still active, declared: "I was in touch with Matschiner just once. Years ago, I was looking for a sponsor – that’s when I contacted him. That’s it. I have never been supplied with doping substances. I disassociate myself from that."

Hoffmann added he regarded the allegations as "absolutely insane."

Austrian Times

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