Bernard Sainz has been detained as part of a doping investigation by the French police earlier today. According to AFP, the 74-year old man was at his home, in north-western France, when the police made the arrest as part of an ongoing, doping investigation.
On February 10, a judicial inquiry was created in Paris after evidence being discovered against Sainz during an episode in 2016 of French television show Cash Investigation. The documentary included a part where a hidden camera was recording Sainz while he was explaining different doping practices to riders.
Using banned substances
According to AFP, Sainz is not a qualified doctor. However, his name has come up in several violations of France’s public health laws. These violations include: “the illegal practice of medicine, inciting the use of banned substances by sportspeople. Also, aiding the use of banned substances by sportspeople, and complicity in the acquisition and illicit possession of toxic substances.”
A couple of months ago, Sainz received a nine-month sentence in prison. And also a €20,000 fine by a court as part of another, previous, doping investigation in French amateur cycling. Sainz then appealed the verdict.
If these cases weren’t enough, in 2014, ‘Doctor Mabuse’ got another two-year prison sentence for the illegal practice of medicine. While in 2013 he received a €3,000 fine during a doping investigation of race horses.
The funny thing is, despite his controversial past, Sainz has been able to continue being part of French pro cycling events.
