Johan Museeuw may miss the road cycling world championships in Canada next month after his house was raided in a police drugs investigation, his manager said in an interview published on Saturday.

"I still have full confidence in Johan Museeuw," Patrick Lefevere, manager of the Quick-Step team told La Derniere Heure - Les Sports.

"The inquiry will prove Johan made no errors. But, on the other hand, I fear his image is damaged."

Museeuw will continue with his race program over the next few days starting with the Dutch Delta Ronde this weekend, but Lefevere said his preparation for the championships in Hamilton would be damaged.

"The best thing for him is to go on riding, otherwise people will think he is hiding.

"I am sure that he will give a big press conference one of these days, but I think it is impossible for him to prepare well and participate in the world race in Hamilton."

On Friday Museeuw said he had full confidence in the police.

The rider's house was one of 20 raided on Thursday in a search for performance-enhancing hormone drugs.

Officials said a number of people were being interviewed after a local vet was suspected of distributing hormones among Belgian cyclists.
--Reuters

Telekom courts Ullrich
Telekom cycling chief Walter Godefroot said Saturday that the German team is willing to offer 2003 Tour de France runner-up Jan Ullrich a serious offer to rejoin the team where he made his name.

The 29-year-old German is a hot property these days after his stellar performances in this year's Tour and Telekom wants him back on its roster as Ullrich's current team Bianchi stalls on a new deal. "We want Jan Ullrich," Walter Godefroot told German newspaper Bild am Sonntag. "We would put together something special for him."

The Olympic road race champion, who will sit out the 2003 world championships in Canada, joined the Telekom team in 1995 but the two parted ways in July 2002 after the German rider tested positive for ecstasy during what was probably his most difficult year since turning pro. Dethroning Lance Armstrong in next year's Tour is Ullrich's priority and there are signs that the Bianchi team captain is growing frustrated with the Italian outfit.

"If I am asked to win the Tour the team must give me something to help," explained Ullrich.
--AFP

Teutenberg takes Hesse stage
German Sven Teutenberg (Bianchi) sprinted to victory in the fourth stage of the Tour of Hesse, run Saturday over 156km between Battenberg and Wetzlar.

Teutenberg, who was in a five-rider lead group, outkicked German Eric Baumann and Frenchman Anthony Geslin.

Cédric Vasseur (Cofidis) retains the overall lead going into Sunday’s final stage.
--AFP