German Olympic Cyclists Must Give DNA Samples

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) _ German cyclists will be required to give DNA samples if they want to compete at the Olympics. <br/><br/>The move is designed to reduce performance-enhancing drugs in the sport,

Tuesday, May 1st 2007, 10:42 am

By: News On 6

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) _ German cyclists will be required to give DNA samples if they want to compete at the Olympics.

The move is designed to reduce performance-enhancing drugs in the sport, German cycling federation chief Rudolf Scharping said Tuesday.

``Without a DNA sample, no taking part in the Olympics,'' he said. ``Doping has been following us like a plague.''

Germany's most famous cyclist, 1997 Tour de France winner Jan Ullrich, retired this year after being linked to the Spanish blood-doping scandal.