German cyclist Sinkewitz announces January comeback
German cyclist Patrik Sinkewitz, who admitted to doping last year, announced plans on Monday to make his comeback in January at the Tour of Majorca riding for Team PSK Whirlpool.
"I have signed a one-year contract," the 28-year-old told German television channel TVnews Hessen. Having joined the Czech Republic-based team, Sinkewitz is looking forward to the five-day race around the Spanish island early next year.
After testing positive for the steroid hormone testosterone on June 8 2007, Sinkewitz was expelled for a year. As a result of his failed drugs test, German broadcasters ARD and ZDF both pulled the plug on broadcasting the Tour de France last year.
Sinkewitz, a former Tour of Germany winner, was sacked by his team T-Mobile during the 2007 Tour after the failed test. He later admitted to using blood-booster erythropoietin (EPO) and having undergone blood transfusions.
The 27-year-old cyclist gave evidence to the German Cycling Federation's (BDR) disciplinary committee last year to have his expected two-year ban reduced to a year and he was fined €40,000 (US$50,000). Sinkewitz's ban expired on July 17 2008.
Sinkewitz insists he has learned his lesson. "The fact that I can cycle again is gigantic for me," he said."I have learned from my mistakes and would simply like to make a new start. This team offers a new perspective, which I need, and I will start with the Tour of Mallorca.”
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"I have signed a one-year contract," the 28-year-old told German television channel TVnews Hessen. Having joined the Czech Republic-based team, Sinkewitz is looking forward to the five-day race around the Spanish island early next year.
After testing positive for the steroid hormone testosterone on June 8 2007, Sinkewitz was expelled for a year. As a result of his failed drugs test, German broadcasters ARD and ZDF both pulled the plug on broadcasting the Tour de France last year.
Sinkewitz, a former Tour of Germany winner, was sacked by his team T-Mobile during the 2007 Tour after the failed test. He later admitted to using blood-booster erythropoietin (EPO) and having undergone blood transfusions.
The 27-year-old cyclist gave evidence to the German Cycling Federation's (BDR) disciplinary committee last year to have his expected two-year ban reduced to a year and he was fined €40,000 (US$50,000). Sinkewitz's ban expired on July 17 2008.
Sinkewitz insists he has learned his lesson. "The fact that I can cycle again is gigantic for me," he said."I have learned from my mistakes and would simply like to make a new start. This team offers a new perspective, which I need, and I will start with the Tour of Mallorca.”
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