Drug-tainted German cyclist Jan Ullrich has vowed to win the Tour de France before he retires, despite being barred from this year’s race after being implicated in a doping scandal.
Ullrich, who was subsequently sacked by T-Mobile after being prevented from taking part in this year’s Tour, said he wants to add another title to set alongside his 1997 triumph in the world-famous race.
”I’ve always said that I’ll finish my career with a victory in the Tour,” Ullrich said. ”It couldn’t happen this year and that’s why I’ll have to wait for another year. Jan Ullrich doesn’t quit.”
Ullrich was embroiled in the drug scandal after his name was released by Spanish prosecutors amongst a list of athletes suspected of collaborating with a doctor organising a blood-doping network.
The 32-year-old has protested his innocence and denied using drugs in an interview with Swiss daily Blick.
Asked if he had ever doped, Ullrich replied: ”Naturally, no.” — AFP
