Greg Van Avermaet refuses that he has done anything wrong after the Belgian Cycling Federation have requested a two-year ban. "I came here to explain my case, but I'm confident. I can only hope that the Disciplinary Commission will use its common sense and that I can stay active," he told Sporza.

Greg Van Avermaet has always maintained that he has done nothing wrong in the case of ozone doctor Chris Mertens. He will certainly start in the Amstel Gold Race as his BMC team have issued the following statement:

"The BMC Racing Team is aware of today's hearing by the Belgian Cycling Federation, Koninklijke Belgische Wielrijdersbond, in which Greg Van Avermaet appeared in relation to the investigation of Dr. Chris Mertens.

Based on information currently available to the BMC Racing Team, Van Avermaet will not be withheld from competition.

No further statements about the case will be made by team officials prior to a decision being rendered by the Belgian Cycling Federation on May 7."
 

However, the case has taken its toll on Van Avermaet.

"I have only used cortisone for my heel problem. On April 12, 2012, the day after the Brabantse Pijl. And I had a prescription for it," said Van Avermaet.

In 2012, Van Avermaet had pain in his heel and he left Tirreno-Adriatico "when the problem was very extreme."

"Since then I have had problems, but not as bad. Then I even had pain walking, even when I was not wearing shoes. The problem was serious and then you are simply looking for solutions." Van Avermaet is still suffering from that injury and he wears special shoes.

The baby medicine Vaminolact mentioned in emails has never been found in Van Avermaet's possession. According to himself, he has never used it. "I got a prescription," he said. "But I never got it at the pharmacy and have never been using it." His lawyer backed that with official documents during the hearing.

Van Avermaet is clearly frustrated by the whole affair. "I'd rather be on my bike. This is not fun. Mentally it was not easy and I'm glad I can focus on something else during the races.

"I don't like that I have to defend myself. This is a stain on my career. I come here to present my case, but I have done nothing wrong. I have had a steady career, not with many highs and lows. This speaks in my advantage, I think.

"I've always worked hard to get and stay there. In recent weeks, I have tried not to think about it because I know I am innocent and did nothing wrong. Otherwise, I would not have had those good results."

A ruling is expected on May 7. "I hope for justice. I can only hope that the Commission will use its common sense and that I can stay active. In fact, I keep no account of bad news. However, if I will get some, my world will collapse. I am very impressed that I have to explain myself. I am an honest rider."

Van Avermaet also explained yet why he went to visit the doctor in Rotselaar, far from its home base in Berlare. "There were so many riders who used him. Besides, every time I went to the Ardennes, I passed his house. There was no problem with that doctor."

However, Van Avermaet now regrets that he travelled tp Rotselaar. "I certainly regret it now. Otherwise I would never have ended up in that case, but I insist: I do not think the doctor did somwthing wrong. For me he is a good doctor, but it would have been better for me if I had avoided this."