Doping Case Closure?: Investigators Offer Jan Ullrich Deal

German investigators are reported to have offered cyclist Jan Ullrich -- one of the country's most famous former sportsmen -- a deal to settle a doping case against him. The 1997 Tour de France winner is being investigated for fraud after it was alleged that he was involved in taking performance-enhancing drugs. According to media reports, investigators in the German city of Bonn offered to drop the case if Ullrich admitted his guilt and paid a large fine.

The fraud investigation, which started in July 2006, was triggered by claims that Ullrich was one of 50 cyclists who took performance-enhancing drugs at a Madrid clinic. Although blood found at the clinic matched Ullrich's DNA and his bank statements show payments to the Spanish doctor, Eufemiano Fuentes, who is accused of running the doping operation, Ullrich has always denied he cheated.

When contacted by the DPA news agency on Monday public prosecutor Fred Apostel refused to comment on the media reports that a deal was near, but added: "We are still waiting -- our offer to Ullrich's side has been there a long time."

Ullrich, who rode for Team Telekom, was the first German to win the Tour de France and was a huge idol in his homeland before the allegations surfaced. The 34-year-old faces fraud charges, alleging that by using banned substances, he deceived the public, sponsors and his team. Ullrich retired from cycling in February 2007.

maw/ap