A shadow has fallen over the cycling world as David Rozman, the head carer for Ineos Grenadiers, stepped back from the Tour de France amidst a burgeoning anti-doping investigation. This development follows revelations linking Rozman to Mark Schmidt, a German doctor convicted for orchestrating a widespread doping scandal, raising significant questions about the integrity of elite sports.
Adding another layer to this complex narrative, it has been confirmed that David Rozman recently completed a month-long “knowledge exchange” program at Manchester United in 2024. Sources at the football club verified his presence at Old Trafford, working alongside the club’s soft tissue therapists, as part of a collaborative initiative within Ineos Sport.
The Slovenian physiotherapist, described on the Ineos Grenadiers website as a long-serving and vital staff member, spent four weeks integrating with Manchester United’s medical support team. This exchange program was notably introduced after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment, highlighting an inter-sport synergy now overshadowed by the serious allegations.
Ineos released a statement on July 24, clarifying that Rozman had an informal discussion with the International Testing Agency (ITA) in April, where he was informed he was not under investigation. However, subsequent media allegations prompted a formal request from the ITA for an interview, leading to Rozman’s immediate departure from his race duties at the Tour de France.
The root of these allegations stems from a recent documentary by German broadcaster ARD, which implied connections between Rozman and Schmidt, even though it did not explicitly name him. Further media reports have since surfaced, including alleged text messages exchanged between Rozman and Schmidt dating back to June 2012, a period when the cycling team was known as Team Sky.
These claims draw heavily from court transcripts and in-court reporting from the infamous Aderlass hearings, which culminated in Schmidt’s imprisonment in 2021. His conviction was for orchestrating a sophisticated doping ring that implicated numerous cross-country skiers and cyclists between 2012 and 2019, painting a grim picture of systemic cheating.
Dave Brailsford, head of Ineos Sport and a key figure in performance direction at Manchester United, declined to comment on the David Rozman allegations during the race, further fueling speculation. His silence, given his prominent role, underscores the gravity and sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
Interestingly, during a refurbishment of their laundry facilities, Manchester United also utilized an Ineos Grenadiers team bus at their Carrington training ground, emphasizing the close ties between the organizations. Moreover, British Cycling confirmed Rozman’s presence with Team GB at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, indicating his long-standing involvement in high-level sports.
The Ineos Grenadiers organization has reaffirmed its commitment to due process and a zero-tolerance policy against doping, stating they have acted responsibly. While they have formally requested information from the ITA, the agency has cited legal and confidentiality restrictions for not sharing further details. Both Rozman and the team have pledged full cooperation with the ITA and any other relevant authorities as the anti-doping inquiry unfolds.
Leave a Reply