Scandal spotlight shifts

TVM's Priem, Mikhailov formally placed under investigation

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Posted: Tuesday July 28, 1998 12:13 PM

Priem (right) and Mikhailov (center) could be charged in the drug scandal that threatens to permanently tarnish the Tour de France AP

REIMS, France (CNN/SI) -- TVM, the Dutch cycling team's director Cees Priem and team doctor Andrei Mikhailov were formally placed under investigation Tuesday for the illegal use of erythropoietin (EPO) and are likely to be formally charged.

EPO is a hormone which enhances oxygen in the blood. It was found in the car of a TVM official in March.

Then, evidence of drug use was found by police in a suitcase and trash can during a search of the team's hotel in Toulouse and Metz, though the nature of the drugs was still not known.

The French team Festina was expelled from the tour July 17 after the team director Bruno Roussel admitted that drugs had been used.

Former Festina cyclists Emmanilles and Bouvard Gilles Bouvard were released from police detention today, a day after being held for questioning by Lille police.

"All the former cyclists at Festina will be interrogated," leading prosecutor Gerald Vinsonneau said.

Authorities in Lille said that Roussel would probably be released Tuesday or Wednesday.

Festina physiotherapist Willy Voet was released Friday, but team doctor Eric Ryckaert remains in custody.  

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.