«I am innocent, I have not taken Epo or other doping substances, but this time I will not defend myself, I do not have the strength and energy to do so. Now my priorities are family, my health and work. I have neither the intention nor the energy to repeat the legal battles that I faced and supported after the unjust and unfounded accusation of positivity before the Rio Olympics, long and stressful battles that demonstrated my innocence but which have profoundly affected me.”
This is Alex Schwazer’s outburst on Instagram two days after the press conference and five days after the announcement of his positivity to erythropoietin. This is the third positive test for the South Tyrolean walker in almost 14 years. «I do not want and cannot put my health at risk for legal battles that would exhaust me on a psychological level – added Schwazer -. Even if I didn’t commit what I’m accused of and I have a clear conscience, I have no intention of defending myself because I have no faith in this system that I no longer believe in. I will ask for counter-analyses only on the condition that the third test tube, which Sandro Donati preserved, and which contains the residual urine of the one taken on 26 April, is also analysed, as indicated in the control report”. Finally, thanks to the people who have been close to us over the years. «I thank the lawyer. Gerhard Brandstaetter and his staff, – he said – my manager Giulia Mancini with Daniela Mancini, Giuseppe Sorcinelli and Alberto Serafin, the prof. Sandro Donati, my fans and all those who supported and encouraged me and showed me their affection.”