Kroon has just confirmed the revelation that a story written by a sports paper made public. Apparently, the former professional rider has doped during his career including at important events such as Tour de France and Paris-Nice.
He admits that some of his main stage wins, while with BMC Racing, Saxo Bank, and Rabobank, have had the help of doping. However, he didn’t give any further information regarding the time and place he doped, or who helped him manage it.
“The story is right. I’m sorry and I take all responsibility for it,” Kroon told ANP.
“I was a professional cyclist in a very difficult time. And I have a lot of respect for my colleagues who have resisted the temptation to use doping at the time.”
Kroon, 42, beside all stage wins, also finished second in the Amstel Gold Race in 2009 right behind Serguei Ivanov.
He also finished third in the Flèche Wallonne in 2006 right behind champion Alejandro Valverde and Samuel Sánchez, who were as well caught cheating later during their careers.
Eurosport Career?
It seems the news might now affect Kroon’s future career as he is due to begin working for Eurosport in less than a week, right before the upcoming Giro d’Italia.
“We’ve got the news. Karsten, like several fellow cyclists from the professional peloton of that time, used illegal methods. The most important thing for Eurosport is that he has now taken responsibility by giving openness and expressing regret,” said a Eurosport spokeswoman.
Giro d’Italia 101: riders list announced. ? https://t.co/hjVb1yZ6ab
– Giro d’Italia (@giroditalia) April 24, 2018
