German cyclist Jorg Jaksche said Monday he is ready to follow compatriot Jan Ullrich into retirement.

The 2004 Paris-Nice winner has been struggling to find a team since being caught up in the Spanish Operación Puerto blood-doping scandal that broke before last year's Tour de France.

"I can't really see what options I have other than stopping. My career is in ruins. I know when I'll officially announce my decision but I'll keep it to myself," he said.

Jaksche is in negotiations to join second-tier Austrian team Volksbank, which has employed Ullrich as a consultant.

However, he said: "I don't think it will come to anything. I've also tried other teams, but I don't have much hope. My reputation has been destroyed.”

Jaksche said he has offered to take a DNA test for the UCI but added that his offer has gone nowhere.

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