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Germany's Patrik Sinkewitz, who admitted to doping last year, is planning to make his comeback in January at the Tour of Majorca riding for Team PSK Whirlpool.

"I have signed a one-year contract," the 28-year-old told German television channel TVnews Hessen after joining the Czech Republic-based team.

Having tested positive for the steroid hormone Testosterone on June 8 2007, Sinkewitz was later banned for a year. As a result of his failed drugs test, German broadcasters ARD and ZDF both pulled the plug on broadcasting the Tour de France last year.

Sinkewitz, a former Tour of Germany winner, was sacked by his team T-Mobile during the 2007 Tour after the failed test and he later admitted using blood-booster erythropoietin (EPO) and having undergone blood transfusions.

The 27-year-old gave evidence to the German Cycling Federation's disciplinary committee last year to have his expected two-year ban reduced to a year and he was fined 40,000 euros (£33,922).

Sinkewitz's ban expired on July 17 2008 and he insists he has learned his lesson.

"The fact that I can cycle again is gigantic for me," said Sinkewitz.

"I have learned from my mistakes and would simply like to make a new start. This team offers a new perspective, which I need, and I will start with the Tour of Mallorca."

AFP