The German Tour de France winner is seemingly satisfied with his life; both the past and the present, and remains as silent as ever on the doping-question.

Ullrich admitted earlier this year that he had resorted to blood doping, but it is doubtful if he will ever testify in detail about his abuse of illegal substances.

“Yes, I had access to treatment from Fuentes,” the 1997 Tour winner told German Focus earlier in the season, and added, “At that time, nearly everyone was using doping substances and I used nothing that the others were not using.”

Much the same excuse as so other riders have used, i.e. the others cheated, therefore I also did, and it is there okay.

Now Ullrich is satisfied with his life, and enjoys the everyday life with his wife and ever growing family.

“Overall, I feel totally happy,” Ullrich told German NDR, “The life I now lead would be a holiday for many people.”

Despite feeling that he has left his former life behind him, Ullrich is still marred by the doping allegations. He has been taken to court by former Team Coast sponsor Gunther Dahms, who demands that Ullrich repays him $402,00 (three months of salary).

“I have finished with the subject,” Ullrich continued to NDR. “I have taken my punishment, I regret what I did and I stand behind my mistakes.”

“I have to live with the bad and good,” he told, adding that he likes to live “in the present” and prefers not to worry about the things of his past.

“I can live with it comfortably as I have my life back on track.”

“This is a good thing for me and it’s motivating. It kind of shows that people still like me,” he said.

“That makes me feel good.”

Lesson learned? Doping pays off. At least to some, and especially if it allows for a life most would consider a happy holiday. That would make most feel good too...