German Cycling Gets Tough After Ullrich Doping Affair

As of next year all professional German cyclists will be subjected to more testing and will have their own blood and health profiles updated throughout the season and checked for inconsistencies.

Run along the same lines as the French system, it means riders can be tested any time at training or during races.

"We want to do all that's humanly possible so that doping is no longer an issue in cycling," said BDR president Rudolf Scharping. "If that is not possible, then we want to keep the abuse at as low a level as possible."

Positive tests or refusal to consent to testing would prompt sanctions and rule them out of representing Germany at international level including the Olympic Games.

"This system is unique and strict. Whoever ignores the rules will not compete for an international title in German colors," said Scharping. "The credibility of cycling hinges on our ability to carry out these measures."

The BDR also plans to introduce the tests at youth level, beginning with under-15 riders.

Ongoing affair

The move comes in the wake of an ongoing doping affair in Spain which implicated around 60 riders, including 1997 Tour winner Ullrich, and which led to his sacking by T-Mobile.

Ullrich was suspended before this year's Tour de France, then sacked after evidence from a Spanish police investigation further alleged that the German was given EPO and other banned substances by a Madrid-based sports doctor, Eufemiano Fuentes.

American Floyd Landis of Phonak also tested positive for the banned male sex hormone testosterone after his victory on the Tour de France.

The fallout from Landis' positive result, which the American is set to appeal, is said to have also played a part in the BDR's decision.