Bölts resigns from Gerolsteiner

Udo Bölts has asked Team Gerolsteiner to release him from his contract as a Directeur Sportif with the team, following his disclosure that he used EPO and growth hormones while riding for Team Telekom in the 1990s. Bölts said, "It is my decision alone. I don't want to distract from the success of our young riders with my past. Besides, I need some breathing space and will withdraw from cycling."

Team manager Hans-Michael Holczer said, "After his doping confession and the newest happenings in cycling I can understand his decision all too well and will accept it."

Bölts, 40, worked for the team on a part-time basis and was scheduled to lead the team for 32 race days this year.