Ullrich maintains innocence

Although the Bonn, Germany prosecutor's office has matched Jan Ullrich's DNA sample to nine bags of blood seized in the Operacion Puerto affair, the retired rider maintains that he is innocent of any wrongdoing. "That does not change the fact that I have a clean conscience," Ullrich said. "In my entire career I have never cheated or used anybody, and I can't admit to a failure that doesn't exist. I am not afraid of any trial, any prosecuting attorney or any federation."

There are still many unanswered questions, he wrote on his website, janullrich.de, but he will not address them publicly until his case is closed.

"It is naturally not an easy time for me, especially because my my friends, my family and I can't understand it, but it is giving us good experience for our future," he wrote. "I will lead my life in the way I think is right and nobody will be able to change that. Life is a challenge that has to be faced, and I am ready for it."