David Rozman leaves Tour de France amid investigation into alleged historical communications

Ineos cycling team has been embroiled in a doping scandal after staff member David Rozman has left the Tour de France following an investigation launched by the International Testing Agency (ITA). The allegations stem from a recent documentary made by the German TV outlet ARD, which linked Rozman to convicted German doping doctor Mark Schmidt.

According to the team, Rozman had spoken “informally” to the ITA in April when he was told he was not under investigation. However, following recent media reports, Rozman has now received a request from the ITA to attend an interview, prompting him to step back from race duties and leave the Tour.

In a statement, Ineos said Rozman had been a long-standing member of the team and had worked with four-time Tour winner Chris Froome. The team also confirmed that Rozman had been present at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games while working for Team GB.

The ITA launched an investigation into alleged messages exchanged between Rozman and Schmidt in 2012, which were linked to a doping ring that operated between 2012 and 2019. Schmidt was jailed in 2021 for orchestrating the doping ring, which involved cross-country skiers and multiple cyclists.

In response to the allegations, Ineos commissioned a thorough review by an external law firm and has formally requested any relevant information from the ITA. However, the team has received no evidence from any relevant authority, and the ITA has advised the team that it cannot share any further information due to legal and confidentiality restrictions.

In a statement, Ineos reiterated its zero-tolerance policy and expressed its commitment to cooperating with the ITA and any other authority. The team has also confirmed that it will continue to assess the circumstances and any relevant developments.

The doping scandal has sparked concerns about the integrity of the cycling team and the sport as a whole. The ITA’s investigation into Rozman’s alleged communications with Schmidt is ongoing, and the outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by fans and the cycling community.

Meanwhile, Ineos has faced criticism in the past over doping allegations involving staff members. In 2023, the team’s doctor, Richard Freeman, was banned for four years for possession of a prohibited substance and tampering with part of doping control while working for Team Sky.