Former Belgian cyclist Museeuw charged over doping

Former Belgian cycling great Johann Museeuw, along with fellow rider Mario De Clercq, have been charged with violating anti-doping legislation, judicial authorities confirmed yesterday.

Belgian dailies Het Laatste Nieuws and La Derniere Heure listed charges against De Clercq and Museeuw, who claimed 11 one-day classic victories in 16 years as a professional. Museeuw retired in 2004.

The newspaper reports were confirmed by the public prosecutor's office of Kortrijk.

"It concerns breaches of the drugs legislation, the anti-doping legislation. It's about the use of Aranesp," spokesman Tom Janssen told VRT radio.

Aranesp, which is used in the treatment of kidney diseases and to help patients undergoing chemotherapy, stimulates the production of red blood cells.

"They are being called to appear in front of a grand jury which will rule on whether there is enough evidence to refer them to a criminal court," he added.

Police in 2003 searched 20 homes, including Museeuw's, in a case involving vet Jose Landuyt who admitted selling performance-enhancing drugs.