BERLIN, July 30 - Top German cycling team T-Mobile announced on Sunday
it would replace sporting director Olaf Ludwig due to "handling of the current
doping problems".
T-Mobile's statement came on the day German cycling federation president
Rudolf Scharping called for a series of tough measures to combat doping and said
the country would have an anti-doping law this year.
"I'm incredibly disappointed," said Ludwig, who was informed of the decision
during a race in Hamburg.
He will be replaced by American Bob Stapleton and former German cyclist Rolf
Aldag.
The team sacked lead rider Jan Ullrich earlier this month after the 1997 Tour
de France winner was implicated in a Spanish doping investigation.
Ullrich, who has denied any wrongdoing, Spanish team mate Oscar Sevilla and
sporting director Rudy Pevenage were suspended by T-Mobile on the eve of this
year's Tour.
Nine riders in total, were pulled out of the race because of links to the
inquiry.
In another blow to the credibility of the Tour, it was revealed last Thursday
that winner Floyd Landis had tested positive for testosterone during the race.
The American has denied committing a doping offence.
Speaking after a crisis meeting of 25 officials from teams, sponsors and race
organisers, Scharping said it was time to catch and punish doctors and other
shadowy figures in the background who have helped tarnish cycling's reputation.
'MEASURES AGREED'
"Doping doesn't happen on its own," he said. "We've got to do a better job of
getting to the people behind the scenes.
"Everyone has agreed on a number of measures," added Scharping, a former
leader of Germany's Social Democrats party.
"It's bad enough that a career like Jan Ullrich's had to end like this.
"What we are most interested in is getting hold of the people in the
background, otherwise we won't be able to drain this swamp. We've got to track
down the doctors that are behind this," Scharping said.
