Swiss doping official not surprised at Ullrich
"To be honest, I have expected such a case with Ullrich," said Gerhard Walter, President of the...
"To be honest, I have expected such a case with Ullrich," said Gerhard Walter, President of the Swiss Olympic Committee's doping section. In an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung, he says he was suspicious of the German rider's performance this spring - "from somewhere behind in 80th place to the sudden time trial win in the Giro." Ullrich stands to not only lose his license, but also to be banned for a long time. "We're talking about blood doping, that means two years."
Walter apparently doesn't consider it a problem that there is no positive doping test or a confession. "We had the Balco scandal in the US, there was also no positive test there," he noted. "The reports out of Spain indicate a seemingly clear situation, therefore it's up to the athletes to exonerate themselves." If Ullrich, for example, doesn't make a DNA test, then I assume that the charges are true."
He also seems to expect things to move quickly, saying, "I assume that we will rule on him soon."
Cyclingnews' recent coverage of 'Operación Puerto'
April 2, 2009 - Valverde indignant over possible suspension
April 1, 2009 - Valverde: Italy requests two-year suspension
March 13, 2009 - Le Monde newspaper hit with fine over Puerto allegations
March 2, 2009 - WADA president Fahey asks for Puerto evidence
February 24, 2009 - Spanish federation seeks access to Puerto blood bags
February 20, 2009 - CONI considers Valverde case while UCI awaits verdict
February 19, 2009 - Valverde under criminal investigation
February 11, 2009 - Valverde summonsed for Operación Puerto in Italy
February 8, 2009 - Eight charged in Operación Puerto
Cyclingnews' complete coverage of Operación Puerto
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