Ullrich in the Clear

According to a report issued by the investigating judge of in Madrid and carried by a number of European news agenicies, the German cyclist would have "no measures taken against him" in the on-going investigation into doping in sport.

The anti-doping probe, dubbed 'Operation Puerto,' was undertaken by Spain's Civil Guard and implicated Ullrich, along with over 50 professional cyclists.

"Jan Ullrich is not being investigated in Spain. The judge responsible has made that clear with the decision released on October 4 2006," said a statement on Ullrich's website.

Ullrich, who won the Tour de France in 1997, has maintained his innocence against any doping allegations.

He refused to take a DNA test to clear his name after being implicated, saying that he did have to prove he was innocent.

Sacked and scrutinized

Ullrich was dismissed from his T-Mobile team during this year's Tour de France in July, where he was barred from racing, following evidence provided by the Spanish investigation that suggested he was involved in doping.

Ullrich was accused of being given the blood-boosting drug EPO, human growth hormones and steroids by Madrid-based physician Eufemio Fuentes, the apparent head of a doping ring. However, the 32 year old cyclist denied knowing Fuentes.

After raids in May on addresses in Madrid and Zaragoza, Spanish police found large quantities of anabolic steroids, laboratory equipment used for blood transfusions and more than 100 bags of frozen blood.

Career prospects looking better

Switzerland-based Ullrich recently split with the Swiss cycling federation, after he handed back his Swiss license, but the Austrian cycling federation is reportedly planning to offer him a professional license if he moves to Austria.

Austrian federation Chief Rudolf Massat spoke about recruiting Ullrich: "Professional cyclists are not saints but each has to be treated fairly…up until now all that has been said (about Ullrich) is just speculation."

Ullrich is also reported to be in contact with an Italian cycling team.

Haunted by past controversies

Ullrich has been tainted by controversy over the last few years. His struggles with his weight, was involved with a drunken driving incident and tested positive for drugs in 2002 after taking two ecstasy tablets.

Even though Ullrich or any of the other cyclists who have been accused in the doping scandal are not suspects under Spanish law, they could still face spots sanctions and could be banned for life if found guilty as it would be his second offence.