Ullrich accepts T-Mobile sacking
Ullrich accepts T-Mobile sacking
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Tuesday, 25, Jul 2006 10:24
Jan Ullrich has dropped his threat to contest his sacking from the T-Mobile Tour de France team.
The former Tour winner was unceremoniously dropped after his name was linked to the Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes who is being investigated over blood-doping claims.
It is now believed that the German, while maintaining his innocence, will focus on making a fresh start with in new colours rather than pursue legal action over his absence from this year's tour.
Initially suspended on the eve of the race, Ullrich never proved his innocence to the satisfaction of the team's bosses and was sacked on the day of the 18th stage.
Ulrich has been in contact with Lance Armstrong's former home, the Discovery Channel team, as he looks to make good on his vow to repeat his 1997 triumph before retiring.
"I have always said I will finish with a Tour victory. Unfortunately, this year I was prevented from doing so. That's why I will try to add another year," he said.
The controversy over his treatment was stoked by team-mate Andreas Kloden who claimed that the T-Mobile would have added the individual title to their victory in the team standings had Ullrich been riding for them.
"With Jan here, we would have won the Tour this year. Jan was innocent. I know him. He's a good friend of mine," he said.