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www.cyclingnews.com - the world centre of cycling: "Jan Ullrich retires

By Susan Westemeyer
Ullrich announces retirement
Photo ©: Roberto Bettini (Click for larger image)

1997 Tour de France champion and 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist Jan Ullrich has announced the end of his career as professional cyclist, but will stay involved in cycling as an advisor to the Austrian Professional Continental Team Volksbank. At a press conference this morning in Hamburg, Germany, he said, 'I could ride again immediately, I could get a license, I am fit, as fit as last year and could immediately have a team. I have seven offers, including ProTour teams.'

But, as he noted, he decided against it. 'It has taken months until I was sure what I wanted, what would make me happy. Today, I want to officially announce that I will stay involved in cycling, but not as an active rider.'

While he emphasized, 'I have never cheated,' he did not directly address the issue of doping and whether or not he had been involved with Dr. Eufemiano Fuentes. Since the beginning of Operación Puerto, Ullrich has denied any involvement with Fuentes.

The German rider went on to ride the Giro d'Italia, where he won a time trial, and the Tour de Suisse, where he took the overall win. Things remained quiet until the Operación Puerto investigation suddenly exploded"