The justice department of Leuven wants to persecute doctor Chris Mertens. After more then 2,5 years, the justice department finally finished its investigation of doping practices of the doctor. Mertens is accused of blood transfusions with ozone and actively inciting riders to doping use.

This is not only bad news for Mertens, but also for the athletes who are accused of taking ozone therapy from the doctor. According to Belgian newspaper ‘het Nieuwsblad’, at least 19 athletes, most of them known cyclists and cyclocross-riders, are risking a suspension.

While the use of ozone therapy has been in a grey area up to this point, the justice department of Leuven is clear; ozone therapy is illegal.

“We think that doctor Mertens and these athletes are quilty of doping use.”

The files will now be sent to the responsible doping authorities, who will have to decide whether and for how long the athletes will be suspended.