Ullrich relief at fraud case end

Ullrich won the 1997 Tour de France

German cyclist Jan Ullrich has expressed his relief after an investigation into alleged doping fraud was dropped by Bonn prosecutors.

Ullrich paid a six-figure sum to charity and to the State to end the probe, which had lasted 21 months.

"I am very happy that the accusations are off the table," the 34-year-old former Tour de France winner said.

"It was harder to overcome than any Tour - at least there I could face and fight my rivals directly on a bike."

Ullrich, who retired in February 2007, was withdrawn just before the 2006 Tour de France after being implicated in Spanish doping investigation, Operation Puerto.

A fraud case was built against the 34-year-old based on his alleged deception of the public, sponsors and his T-Mobile team.

Ullrich has always protested his innocence and denies the out-of-court settlement is an admission of his guilt.

"I have not bought my freedom," he said. "The decision I have taken serves to protect my family.

"The investigation has been ended without a declaration of guilt," Ullrich added. "I could not have admitted anything because I have never lied to anybody."