Jaksche, Volksbank and the Deutschland Tour?

By Susan Westemeyer

Will Jörg Jaksche ride for Team Volksbank this season, and will Team Volksbank be allowed to ride in the Deutschland Tour if he does? Various reports yesterday from the team and the race indicated a certain amount of confusion; which is nothing new or unusual for anything having to do with the Operación Puerto.

Volksbank announced yesterday that it had broken off negotiations with Jaksche, because his presence could endanger their participation in the Deutschland Tour. Later, race organizer Kai Rapp said he could allow the team to start, although probably not Jaksche.

So how does this affect things between Volksbank and Jaksche? Team manager Thomas Kofler explained to Cyclingnews, "We are still interested in JJ. We have spoken with him about matters and think that we will be able to find a solution to this confusing situation in the near future, because he is taking matters into his own hand."