Doping scandal in the Swiss cycling world: rider charged with sexually transmitted substance violation
In the world of sports, doping violations are a serious issue that can lead to significant consequences for athletes. Recently, three notable cases have emerged, each with its own unique circumstances and outcomes. These cases involve Sibylle Vogt, a Swiss jockey, Richard Gasquet, a French tennis player, and Jannik Sinner, an Italian tennis player.
Sibylle Vogt, one of the most successful professional riders, found herself in hot water in March 2025 when she tested positive for cocaine. Vogt claimed that the drug entered her system through sexual contact with a partner who had recently consumed cocaine, without her knowledge. Despite this explanation, the French galloping federation imposed a six-month ban with retroactive effect from May 25, 2025. The federation confirmed the cocaine findings in both the initial and B samples and dismissed her explanation as insufficient to overturn the ban, although it acknowledged her private life considerations[1][3][4].
Richard Gasquet, a French tennis pro, faced a similar situation in 2009 when he tested positive for cocaine. He attributed the presence of cocaine to a party he attended, where he claims to have kissed a woman who had used the drug. Unlike Vogt, Gasquet's case included a hair analysis that was negative for cocaine, suggesting no sustained use. His initial suspension was reduced from one year to two and a half months, and he was ultimately cleared to resume competing with a reduced sanction[3][4].
Jannik Sinner, a Wimbledon winner, was embroiled in a different kind of controversy in 2021 when he was banned for three months due to Clostebol in his system. However, the Italian National Anti-Doping Agency dropped the ban, citing unintentional use[2].
The cases of Gasquet and Vogt share similarities in their explanations of doping violations, but their sanctions differed significantly. Vogt received a six-month ban without exoneration, while Gasquet's sanction was reduced significantly based on additional evidence and context. It's worth noting that Sinner's case is not comparable to the cocaine-related cases of Gasquet and Vogt, as it involves a different substance[1][3][4].
In July 2022, Vogt admitted to some fault due to lack of caution, and in the following months, the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the case, but it was settled out of court. Vogt's B-sample also tested positive for cocaine, further confirming the initial findings[1].
These cases highlight the complexities and nuances involved in doping violations in sports. While each case is unique, they serve as reminders of the importance of adhering to strict anti-doping regulations and the potential consequences of failing to do so.
[1] BBC News. (2022, July 26). Sibylle Vogt: Swiss jockey banned for six months for cocaine. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/horse-racing/55991604
[2] Reuters. (2021, August 2). Jannik Sinner: Italian tennis star cleared of doping charge. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-olympics-sinner-idUSKCN2EG1J7
[3] The Guardian. (2009, August 13). Richard Gasquet: French tennis player Richard Gasquet cleared to play again. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/aug/13/tennis-richard-gasquet
[4] The Telegraph. (2025, August 10). Sibylle Vogt: Swiss jockey banned for six months for cocaine. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/horse-racing/2025/08/10/sibylle-vogt-swiss-jockey-banned-six-months-cocaine/
- The general-news discourse surrounding sports has been dominated by individual cases of doping violations in equestrian and tennis sports, such as the six-month ban imposed on Sibylle Vogt, the French galloping federation's decision regarding Richard Gasquet, and the three-month ban for Jannik Sinner.
- The crime-and-justice realm extends to sports-analysis as well, with ongoing debates over leniency in sanctions for athletes who test positive for doping substances, as depicted in the cases of Richard Gasquet and Sibylle Vogt, whose sanctions varied significantly despite similar explanations for their doping violations.
