The Aderlass investigation resurfaces and casts a shadow over the Tour. David Rozman, the Slovenian head assistant of Ineos-Grenadiers, has left the Tour de France after news emerged linking him to German doctor Mark Schmidt, a central figure in the Aderlass investigation. Dr. Schmidt was convicted of treating cyclists and winter sports athletes with blood doping: the German broadcaster ARD linked Rozman - without explicitly naming him - to Schmidt in a documentary aired last month. Journalist Paul Kimmage subsequently named Rozman in an article for the Irish Independent, and other media outlets followed suit.

"Rozman has left the race and the Tour," confirmed the British team in a statement released Thursday to the Associated Press, emphasizing that Rozman has been requested to provide a deposition by the International Testing Agency (ITA).

Journalistic sources speak of message exchanges between Rozman and Schmidt dating back to June 2012. At the time, the team was called Team Sky, and Rozman worked as a masseur with Tour de France 2012 winner Bradley Wiggins, and Chris Froome, who won four Tours with the British team.

Yesterday, Ineos-Grenadiers confirmed awareness of the allegations, but stated they have received no evidence nor been invited to participate in any investigation. The team explained that the masseur was informally contacted by an ITA member in April, and Rozman immediately informed the team.

"Even though the ITA at that time assured Rozman that he was not under investigation, Ineos promptly commissioned a thorough investigation by an external legal firm. The team has acted responsibly and according to proper procedures: we continue to evaluate the circumstances, potential developments, and have formally requested any relevant information from the ITA," said an Ineos Grenadiers spokesperson.

Meanwhile, all images of Chris Froome, who now races with Israel Premier Tech, featuring Rozman have disappeared from his social media profiles.