BETTINI DENIES SUPPLYING DRUGS TO SINKEWITZ

Paolo Bettini

Defending world champion Paolo Bettini arrived in Stuttgart on Wednesday night, ready to defend himself against accusation made by former Quick-Step team mate Patrick Sinkewitz and defiant about riding the world championships despite his pressure from German Interior Minister not to let him start.

According to reports on German television, Sinkewitz ?who failed a dope test in June while training for the Tour de France, is quoted in a document as naming Bettini and former rider Davide Bramati as his suppliers. The German admitted he had used 'Testogel' patches to help aid recovery.

"Sinkewitz was a team mate and until the opposite is proven I still consider a friend. I?m sorry for the problems he?s had," Bettini told Cycling Weekly at Stuttgart airport, minutes after landing.

"I spoke to him on the phone before I got on the plane. I said I wasn?t worried about the accusations and told him: ?If as you say you didn't say what has been reported then issue a denial immediately. If you have said what has been reported then you will have to be held responsible for your actions."

Bettini was shocked by Sinkewitz?s allegation and refused to accept that he could be stopped from riding Sunday?s World Championship road race because of the Sinkewitz allegations and because he has not signed the UCI?s 'Commitment to a New Cycling' document and because the German Interior Minister has threatened to freeze funding.

Elite Women's Time Trial World Championships

Men's Under-23 Time Trial World Championships

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.