Suspended sentences for doping offenders

In Belgium for the first time ever four former cycling professionals have been given suspended sentences for doping offences. The daily De Standaard welcomes the decision: "The court ruling certainly sets a wonderful example and can serve to deter athletes who are considering using banned substances. This sentence makes it painfully clear for the first time that athletes who are caught using banned substances - and these four weren't even caught through tests - no longer get away with merely a fine. No matter what anyone says, the threat of a prison sentence and a criminal record has more of a psychological impact than a two-year sports suspension. The high number of athletes who are still being caught doping is testimony to the limited effectiveness of these suspensions."

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