BERLIN – The sports doctor at the centre of the “Aderlass” international blood-doping trial is expected to be handed a lengthy jail sentence on Friday when a court in Munich returns its verdict.
The prosecution has recommended Dr Mark Schmidt, 42, receive a five-and-a-half-year prison term, and a ban from practising medicine for a further five years.
Schmidt is accused of masterminding an international blood doping ring which helped dozens of athletes — mainly cross-country skiers and cyclists — to cheat.
Blood doping is aimed at boosting the red blood cells, which allows the body to transport more oxygen to muscles, increasing stamina and performance.
Schmidt has been in custody since Austrian and German police made co-ordinated raids in…
