Jaksche to Austrian Continental team?

Jörg Jaksche had given up hope of riding again professionally, but he now may have a chance to return to the peloton. The small Austrian Team RC Gourmetfein Wels said it is in contact with the former rider and met with him in Salzburg, Austria, to discuss the possibilities.

Jaksche confessed to yearlong doping in July 2007. Authorities gave the German rider, who lives in Austria, a reduced one-year suspension for his extensive confession and cooperation. The suspension ended this summer.

It was not immediately clear what role Jaksche might have at the Austrian Continental team, which is also a local cycling club. Herbert Lindlbauer, vice chairman of the club's board of directors, told the Austrian nachrichten.at that he had met with Jaksche. "I can imagine him appearing at lectures against doping, for example. Who can talk about that better than him?"

"Naturally I want to ride again. But I would also of course like to be with a stronger team," said Jaksche, 32. He announced in April that he would retire since he was unable to find a new team.

Lindlbauer indicated that he had already found a private sponsor to fund Jaksche's contract. The two are scheduled to meet again and they hope to have things settled by the middle of December. (SW)

(Additional editorial assistance by Susan Westemeyer.)