Aldag and Zabel meet with German Olympic committee

Aldag and former teammate Erik Zabel will "actively work with" the German Olympic Committee (DOSB) to help combat doping in sports. Zabel has already renounced his participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In addition, Aldag's public appearances for T-Mobile Team will be "noticeably reduced." T-Mobile spokesman Christian Frommert confirmed to Cyclingnews that the former rider will play a less public role in the future.

Zabel and former German decathlete Frank Busemann will appear at sports schools and camps "to inform young athletes about the dangers of doping." Aldag and Zabel will also work with the national and world anti-doping agencies on suggestions for improvements in the anti-doping control system.

To aid the anti-doping battle, T-Mobile will "markedly increase" its annual donation of €200,000 to the German anti-doping agency. "That is the right signal also for the other sponsors," said Michael Vesper, the DOSB's general director. "Whoever supports sport, should participate in the financing of the anti-doping campaign. We hope the others will take note of this and also participate financially."

Thomas Bach, director of the DOSB, praised T-Mobile for continuing its sponsorship. "That show that T-Mobile is standing up to its responsibilities. It is difficult, but it is the right way."

"With these agreed-upon measures, Rolf Aldag and Erik Zabel make clear that they recognize the severity of their acts and aren't going to simply pass over them. They show regret and will be active in the fight against doping in the future," Bach said.