A significant controversy has emerged, linking a key staff member of the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team, currently facing a doping probe, with a surprising recent placement at Manchester United. This revelation has sent ripples through the elite sports world, raising questions about oversight and historical conduct within high-profile organizations. The individual at the heart of the matter is David Rozman, a highly regarded soigneur for Ineos Grenadiers, whose professional activities are now under intense scrutiny by the International Testing Agency (ITA).
Rozman’s departure from the recent Tour de France came after he was formally asked to provide an interview to the ITA concerning doping allegations dating back to the 2012 season. His role as a soigneur involves comprehensive support for riders, ranging from logistics coordination to providing crucial physical therapies and massages. The cycling team confirmed that Rozman had received this interview request, initially contacted informally in April, prompting him to “step back” from his Tour duties last month.
The Manchester United connection adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding sports saga. It has come to light that Rozman undertook a one-month placement with United’s soft tissue therapists in 2024. This arrangement was part of a ‘knowledge exchange’ initiative, a direct result of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of Ineos, becoming a co-owner of the illustrious football club. United insiders, however, assert that the club had no prior knowledge of the historical doping allegations now surfacing against Rozman, claiming no involvement in the current investigation.
The doping allegations specifically relate to the 2012 season, a pivotal year for Ineos Grenadiers, then known as Team Sky. That year, Team Sky achieved a monumental victory, with Britain’s Bradley Wiggins clinching the coveted yellow jersey at the Tour de France. The team subsequently dominated the cycling landscape, winning six of the next seven editions of the prestigious race, establishing a formidable legacy now potentially shadowed by these claims.
The International Testing Agency’s involvement began with an informal contact to Rozman in April 2025, where he was questioned about alleged historical communications. Following this preliminary outreach, the ITA commissioned a thorough review by an external law firm, indicating the seriousness with which these past claims are being pursued. This formal process underscores the global commitment to upholding sports integrity and prosecuting historical infractions.
Ineos Grenadiers has responded to the situation with a statement emphasizing their responsible approach and adherence to due process. While taking the doping allegations seriously, they also highlighted David Rozman’s long-standing dedication and contributions as a valued team member. Their public stance aims to balance cooperation with the investigation while supporting their staff through a challenging period, navigating the complexities of a high-stakes sports scandal.
Further details emerged earlier in July, when the Irish Independent reported that in 2012, Rozman had allegedly exchanged messages with Mark Schmidt, a German doctor convicted of doping offenses. This alleged communication forms a crucial part of the evidence being examined by the ITA. A documentary produced by German TV company ARD also reportedly linked Ineos to Schmidt, though it did not explicitly name the staff member involved in its reportage.
Adding to the intertwined narrative is the prominent figure of Sir Dave Brailsford, director of sport at Ineos, who has also played a significant role within Manchester United. Brailsford, who previously stepped down as team principal of Ineos Grenadiers after Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a stake in United, has since returned to a key position within the cycling team and was present at this year’s Tour de France, further blurring the lines between these major sports entities.
