The Disciplinary Chamber of Swiss Sport (DC) has imposed a 96-month suspension on former German cyclist Danilo Hondo and charged him with the costs.

In May 2019, Danilo Hondo made a public doping confession in an interview with the German broadcaster ARD. The former German professional cyclist with a Swiss license had testified as a witness in the criminal trial as part of "Operation Aderlass" before the Criminal Chamber in Munich and outlined his doping offenses. He revealed the form in which doping was carried out and the systems underlying it. At the same time, Hondo admitted the use of blood doping from late 2011 to early 2013. Following the criminal investigation, Swiss Sport Integrity requested the opening of disciplinary proceedings with the Disciplinary Chamber of Swiss Sport (DC) in accordance with the provisions of the Swiss Olympic Doping Statute.

During the extensive investigation, Danilo Hondo made an elaborate confession, disclosed information and also confirmed to Swiss Sport Integrity the doping acts he was accused of. The former professional cyclist was therefore sentenced by the DC to a 96-month suspension, applicable to all sports as well as any functions in sports worldwide, from September 9, 2019. Due to the full confession and extensive cooperation, the DC suspended 66 months of the sanction on probation.

In addition, the convicted athlete must agree to pay the costs of the proceedings as well as compensation of legal costs to the prevailing party, Swiss Sport Integrity, amounting to a total of 12,500 Swiss francs. The decision is not yet legally binding.

Swiss Sport Integrity reminds all athletes that a suspension of the sanction is possible in accordance with the so-called "leniency rule” if substantial assistance is provided by means of information to an anti-doping organization or a law enforcement authority.