Gerdemann denies doping

Linus Gerdemann of Team Milram has denied reports that he used doping products in 2006. A German television programme had charged that it has reports that his blood values indicated manipulation. The "Sportschau" programme also claimed that Jan Ullrich had questionable blood values in 2006.

Ullrich declined to comment on the report, according to his attorney. The retired rider has consistently denied ever having used any kind of doping.

Gerdemann, 27, said, "I have never manipulated. I can totally deny that," on the programme. The show, on the German ARD network, claimed to have a blood analysis based on the report of investigators looking into organised doping at Team Telekom/T-Mobile at the Freiburg University Clinic. The analysis is said to show noteworthy variations in his hemoglobin values in the first half of 2006.

When asked if he could explain the varying values, Gerdemann said, "That doesn't mean anything to me. I am not a doctor."

Gerdemann has been outspoken against doping in recent years. He previously admitted working with the controversial doctor Luigi Cecchini, but ceased his association with him in May, 2006.

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