The Belgian Cycling Federation has notified the BMC Racing Team that one of their key riders, Greg Van Avermaet, was involved in an ongoing investigation of Dr. Chris Mertens. In the official statement released on Saturday morning, the team informed they weren't aware that one of their cyclists will be requested to appear and insisted that treatment Van Avermaet received wasn't in violation of any rules.

Dr Chris Mertens is the centre of an investigation in Belgium as he is accused of having used ozone therapy to treat athletes. It has been ongoing for several years and recently it always cost cyclo-cross rider Tom Meeusen his chance to line up at the World Championships. The effects of ozone therapy are not clear but any kind of blood manipulation is prohobited according to UCI rules.

The team launches an internal investigation, but Van Avermaet won't be removed from the active status based on currently available information. Sports director Alan Peiper told Sporza that he will be at the start of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

"These are serious allegations that have appeared in the newspapers," he said.. "I can hardly comment on the affair. The investigation is ongoing.

"But Greg will definitely be at the start of the Omloop. I see no reason to keep him off the bike.

"These are now obviously not ideal conditions to start as favorite in the opening Belgian classic."

Full BMC Racing statement on Van Avermaet's involvement in Dr. Mertens' case:

The BMC Racing Team was notified Friday by the Belgian Cycling Federation, Koninklijke Belgische Wielrijdersbond, that Greg Van Avermaet has been requested to appear in relation to the investigation of Dr. Chris Mertens. The Team has been aware of the investigation of Dr. Mertens from various stories published in the press, but until Friday, February 27, had not confirmed that one of the Team's riders would be required to appear.

An ongoing internal investigation is being conducted by the Team, and at the present time, no information has been obtained that indicates rules have been violated. The Team is aware that Van Avermaet was treated by Dr. Mertens, but is unaware of any treatments that would be in violation of any rules. Based on the information available to the Team at the present time, no decision has been made to remove Van Avermaet from active status.

The Team will continue its investigation and will evaluate new information at such time as it becomes available. Out of respect for Van Avermaet, the Team will not comment further on the matter at the present time.