BBC SPORT | Other Sports | Cycling | Savoldelli strengthens Telekom

Speculation over the future of troubled German cyclist Jan Ullrich has increased as his team announced that top Italian Paolo Savoldelli would ride for them next season.

Ullrich, the 1997 Tour de France winner, is considering retirement after being suspended for amphetamines use while battling a knee injury.

And the head of Team Telekom has expressed doubts about a comeback for Ullrich, who has been accused of sloppy training habits and not maximising his potential.

Ullrich considers retirement

Giro d'Italia champion Savoldelli is viewed as a potential replacement as the team look to challenge American Lance Armstrong in the Tour.

But Savoldelli could slot into a support role for the reigning Olympic road race champion should he return to action.

Jan Ullrich
Savoldelli could either support or replace Ullrich

Ullrich, one of the few riders regarded as having the ability to challenge Armstrong, left a Munich hospital on crutches on Wednesday after undergoing another operation on his knee.

"We haven't signed anything, but we've reached an agreement on most points [with Savoldelli]," said Telekom sports director Rudy Pevenage.

"We're building up the team with world-class riders who can help Jan and also hold up to Lance Armstrong."

The 29-year-old captain of Index-Alexia will reportedly receive a three-year contract.

Armstrong has won the Tour for four consecutive years and will next year bid to match the record of five consecutive wins.


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