T-Mobile general manager Bob Stapleton, successful earlier this month in securing the continued support of the team's title sponsor, has now been successful in persuading Adidas to continue sponsoring the team, the sportswear maker announced Thursday. The company said that the American "has outlined an action plan to Adidas for preventing doping in his team and improving the environment in the sport. Based on these actions, Adidas will continue the support of the team and its management."
The firm had announced in July after Patrik Sinkewitz' positive doping test that it would reconsider its sponsorship of the team. "Adidas made the decision knowing there are still many loopholes in doping controls and that there are no guarantees for a drug-free sport," the company continued, "But from Adidas' perspective, the T-Mobile Team has taken forward-looking and necessary steps towards this goal. The alternative of withdrawing from the involvement would equal surrender in the face of the doping problem."
