Hessmann was emotional for his comeback after doping suspension: “I saw old friends again”

Milan-Torino 2025 was won on Wednesday by a very lucky Isaac del Toro from UAE Emirates-XRG, but the Mexican was presumably not the one who emerged with the biggest smile. Finishing in 108th place was Michel Hessmann from Movistar, who competed in his first race in more than a year and a half.

How did it all go again? Hessmann tested positive in mid-2023—just after winning the Giro d'Italia with Primoz Roglic for Jumbo-Visma—for a blood plasma substance. According to the German doping agency, the substance possibly entered his system via contaminated medication, likely a painkiller. However, since the responsibility for taking a contaminated medication lies with the rider himself, he was suspended.

Because it involved a contaminated medication, the German authorities eventually dropped the case. In June 2024, NADA suspended Hessmann for four months, with the suspension being retroactive by three months. This meant that Hessmann would have been eligible to return to action by the end of July 2024, but WADA successfully appealed against NADA’s decision. The German rider and NADA subsequently reached a settlement, which now allows Hessmann to return to racing from 15 March 2025.

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Hessmann returns to racing with Movistar, not Visma | Lease a Bike

Just four days after the end of his suspension, Michel Hessmann made his comeback—but not with Visma | Lease a Bike. The German rider’s contract with Jumbo-Visma/Visma | Lease a Bike was not renewed at the end of 2024, but Movistar stepped in to offer him a second chance. As a result, he made his return to racing at Milano-Torino with the Spanish team.

"It was a great race. I saw some old friends again, and I have to say, I was quite emotional before the start. I had known for a long time that this day would come, but actually being there with the guys... it felt really good. I had a solid feeling in the peloton, and I was able to help the team well. I couldn't be happier than this," Hessmann said through Movistar’s social media channels.

"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to prove myself," he had already stated when announcing his move to Movistar. "My goal is to support the team’s leaders in every type of race, but especially in stage races, just like I did in the Giro. I want to keep developing as a rider, and I also hope to achieve some results myself."

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