The T-Mobile team has announced a doping investigation into Jörg Ludewig. On Monday the team obtained information that links the cyclist to alleged soliciting of doping substances in 1998.
Despite Ludewig not being a T-Mobile rider at the time of the alleged offence, the team intends to examine the matter. "The suspicion alone is reason enough for us to investigate the affair," said team manager Olaf Ludwig.
30-year-old Ludewig, who joined T-Mobile on a one-year contract in 2006, rode for Bayer Worringen in 1998. During this period he allegedly requested, in written form, banned substances, and showed a readiness to turn to doping, according to T-Mobile management, who say they have the relevant written correspondence.
'We don't have any direct evidence of doping and we realise that the incident dates back eight years," said Christian Frommert, director of sports communication at T-Mobile International. "However, even evidence of the intention to use doping substances gives us reason to investigate the facts around the affair. To what extent this will overlap with the team's agenda to clean up cycling remains to be seen."
T-Mobile management remains in contact the rider and has not ruled out taking further action.
