IOC to investigate Telekom at the Olympics

Riders from Team Telekom won all three medals in the 2000 Olympic road race in Sydney. Will Jan Ullrich, Alexander Vinokourov, and Andreas Klöden now face losing those medals? The International Olympic Committee announced that it has established a disciplinary commission (DC) "to inquire into possible anti-doping violations at previous Olympic Games, in connection with the recent revelations concerning the Telekom Cycling Team. The DC will also inquire into possible anti-doping violations with regard to the activities of physicians from the University of Freiburg (Germany)."

The Commission will consist of Denis Oswald, Sergey Bubka, and Gunilla Lindberg, with Oswald serving as chairman. It will submit its recommendations to the IOC Executive Board.

According to the IOC's press release, "The fight against doping is a top priority for the IOC. The IOC is driving a zero tolerance policy, activating this with stringent means at the Olympic Games and Disciplinary Commissions set up to carry out investigations when necessary. The IOC finds the revelations in recent days disappointing and concerning, and is therefore determined to look into the matter and any possible impact it might have had on the Olympic Games."

"The IOC will keep up the fight against doping through strengthened, concerted efforts between governments, WADA, and the world of sport, not only to test athletes but also to educate young people about the health dangers of doping and the devastating effect it can have on the credibility of sport, as well as on a person's image and career."

"Of course we will cooperate and provide all important information," Michael Vesper, general director of the German Olympic Committee told the dpa regarding the investigation.