2006 T-Mobile Rider Sinkewitz Names Kloden as Blood Doper; Astana, High Road Futures in Jeopardy?

Kloden in the 2006 Tour de France?

German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung has reported that Patrick Sinkewitz, formerly of the mighty magenta T-Mobile squad, has revealed to authorities that Andreas Kloden, currently riding for Astana and formerly of the T-Mobile team, was present at the Freiburg University clinic ahead of the 2006 Tour de France the day that Sinkewitz blood-doped ahead of the 2006 Tour.

Sinkewitz is the first rider ever to break the peloton omerta

Sinkewitz's lawyer wouldn't reveal specifics, but did inform the press "that Mr. Sinkewitz gave names, but for reasons related to the case, I can neither confirm nor deny the names circulating." In what could be a huge blow to the Astana and High Road squads, Sinkewitz's testimony could pave the way for new sanctions against both Pro Tour teams.

Kloden's past at T-Mobile could haunt his future at Astana

Already booted from all ASO-sponsored events for 2008, the Astana squad is battling to get out from under the cloud of suspicion created by the previous Astana regime, lead by Mark Biver. If Kloden is found guilty of doping, it would be another log on an already huge fire around the Astana team. Not only would ASO be justified in keeping the team from participating in their events for 2008, but they could then decide to ban the team from all events for 2009 as well.

Skeletor: Biver will forever be remembered as a cheater and a liar

For High Road, the implications aren't good either. With this new revelation, ASO may turn it's cannons on Bob Stapleton's revamped team, claiming that they have not been fully transparent regarding former members of their team. Astana General manager Johan Bruyneel has enough problems cleaning up his team's image, the last things he and Astana need is one more scandal. As things stand, Sinkewitz's claims bring only bad publicity to both High Road and Astana. Sad times for cycling, as more doping-related news hits the streets.

Not happy: Sinkewitz's testimony could have far reaching consequences for Bruyneel's Astana squad