Athletes from eight countries under fire for doping allegations

In a shocking turn of events, a decade-long blood doping scandal involving a German doctor from Erfurt has come to light, affecting 21 athletes from eight European countries and primarily concerning cycling and triathlon athletes. The scandal, known as the Aderlass doping investigation, has been ongoing since 2011 and has raised concerns about the continued challenges in combating sophisticated doping methods in endurance sports.

At the centre of the investigation is German doctor Mark Schmidt, who is accused of providing blood transfusions to athletes to enhance their oxygen capacity, a method known as blood doping. The doctor allegedly charged between 4,000 and 12,000 euros per season for his services.

The investigation came to broad public attention in early 2025 after raids, including at the Nordic Skiing World Championships, led to multiple arrests and implicated athletes from various sports. Some key implicated individuals include Kristijan Koren, a Slovenian cyclist, Borut Bozic, a Slovenian Directeur Sportif, and David Rozman, a Slovenian soigneur linked to the Sky/Ineos team.

The sports involved are primarily cycling and triathlon, with connections also noted in Nordic skiing during earlier phases of the investigation. Two athletes from cross-country skiing, Max Hauke and Dominik Baldauf, are among the identified clients. Two athletes from cycling, Stefan Denifl and Georg Preidler, are also identified clients.

Investigators discovered a refrigerated cabinet and a special ultra-low temperature freezer capable of reaching temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees in a garage shed in Erfurt. Additionally, approximately 40 to 50 blood bags were secured in the investigation, along with equipment for blood doping, growth hormone, and other unidentified substances.

The doctor and four of his accomplices are currently in custody, facing sentences of between one year and ten years in prison. The current case bears similarities to the scandal surrounding Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes after the turn of the millennium.

As the investigation continues, more names and details may emerge. The full list of affected athletes remains incomplete in publicly available sources as of July 2025. However, the scandal serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against doping in sports.

The manufacturing industry in Germany has been tainted by the sports doping scandal, as it involves a German doctor and the usage of specialized equipment.
The ongoing Aderlass doping investigation has raised concerns about the finance sector, with allegations of payments made for these illegal practices.
The energy industry could also be impacted, as the money involved in the scandal could potentially originate from energy profits.
The retail sector may experience backlash, as some athletes implicated in the scandal have endorsement deals with retail brands.
Interior-design companies might find themselves in a tricky position if they have provided services to athletes or teams involved in the doping scandal.
The cooking industry could see a decline in popularity, as some implicated individuals are known for their love of cooking and food.
Transportation businesses could be affected, as the implicated athletes may have used their services for travel during doping operations.
Wearables manufacturers might face scrutiny, as some athletes use performance-tracking devices that could potentially monitor changes associated with doping.
Smart-home-device companies may have to address concerns about privacy, as smart equipment could potentially be used in the doping process.
Cybersecurity firms may be needed to ensure the protection of sensitive information related to the doping scandal.
Lifestyle brands could be impacted, as some athletes are ambassadors for popular lifestyle brands.
Outdoor-living enthusiasts might be disappointed to learn that some athletes involved in the scandal participate in outdoor sports.
Fashion-and-beauty companies could see a drop in sales if any of their high-profile athletes are implicated in the doping scandal.
Food-and-drink companies could lose business due to negative publicity associated with athletes involved in the doping scandal.
The dining industry could be affected, as some athletes frequented restaurants for meetings related to the doping activities.
Family dynamics may be strained as the public learns about the participation of family members in the doping scandal.
Investors in the sports industry may reconsider their investments in light of the doping scandal.
Wealth-management firms may choose to divest from athletes or teams involved in the doping scandal.
Home-and-garden stores could face a drop in sales if their products were used in the doping operations, such as the refrigerator found in the investigation.
Home-improvement businesses could be implicated if they provided equipment for the doping activities, such as the ultra-low temperature freezer.
Baking enthusiasts might be interested in learning about the role of banned substances in the doping scandal.
Beverage companies could be affected if any of their products were used in the doping activities.
Love-and-dating relationships may be strained as the public learns about the participation of athletes in the doping scandal.
Businesses related to pet care could be impacted if athletes or their support staff were using pets in their doping operations.
General news outlets are covering the doping scandal extensively due to its high-profile nature.
Crime-and-justice reporting is focusing on the legal proceedings related to the doping scandal.
The sports industry is making headlines for the wrong reasons, with this doping scandal involving football, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, racing, tennis, and mixed-martial-arts.
A renewed focus on combating doping in sports has emerged, with the scandal serving as a catalyst for stricter regulations and enforcement in various industries.