News for October 9, 2002

Edited by Jeff Jones and Chris Henry

Telekom interested in Botero

Team Deutsche Telekom is reportedly interested in Colombian Santiago Botero (Kelme), according to De Telegraaf. After Jan Ullrich's departure, the team now has some of its budget freed up to sign some more top riders. Telekom has already added Giro winner Paolo Savoldelli, Cadel Evans, Mario Aerts and Daniele Nardello to its roster.

Walter Godefroot said that "We are certainly interested in Botero. But he must break his contract with Kelme himself. If that happens, then we'll certainly make him an offer."

Godefroot hopes that his team will have a better year in 2003, as Telekom may stop sponsoring the team if the results don't improve.

Rabobank wants Freire

The latest contender in the hunt for Oscar Freire's signature appears to be the Dutch Rabobank team, who have reportedly offered Freire a two year contract. Freire is said to have broken off talks with iBanesto.com, which was unwilling to offer more than a one year deal.

"We are talking to four or five riders. And one of those is indeed Oscar Freire," said Rabobank's Piet Hubert to ANP. "The negotiations have been done via the telephone with his agent. We want to have Freire, but of course we have our conditions and he has his own. If you want an agreement, you have to please both sides."

Mazzanti signs for Panaria

Ceramiche Panaria Fiordo has added 30 year old Luca Mazzanti (Mercatone Uno) to its roster for 2003. "Mazzanti will be a valuable supporter for Giuliano Figueras for the one day races or short stage races," says team director Roberto Reverberi. Figueras will be allowed to race again on February 7, 2003.

Fragnière to Crédit Agricole

Swiss rider Cedric Fragnière will join Crédit Agricole for 2003. Fragnière, 26, turned professional in 1999 and currently rides for Phonak.

Ine Wannijn to Vlaanderen

Belgian cyclist Ine Wannijn (KSV Deerlijk) will ride professionally with the Vlaanderen-T Interim team next season. Wannijn is the reigning Belgian champion in the road race.

Vandenbroucke may be out for 2 months

Frank Vandenbroucke will not be able to ride for 6 - 8 weeks following his heavy fall in Paris-Tours, where he broke his collarbone and elbow. He was taken to OLV Middelares hospital in Antwerp on Sunday, where he will be operated on in the coming days.

2002-2003 Cyclo-cross World Cup schedule

The UCI cyclo-cross World Cup kicks off in Frankfurt Germany on November 24. The five round series concludes in the Netherlands on February 16 with a race in Hoogerheide. Last year Dutch rider Richard Groenendaal won three of the six rounds of the 2001-2002 World Cup and claimed the overall series title.

Frankfurt, Germany - November 11, 2002
Kalmthout, Belgium - December 22, 2002
Lieven, France - January 5, 2003
Wetzikon, Switzerland - January 19, 2003
Hoogerheide, Netherlands - February 16, 2003

Paolo Bettini website

As he chases the World Cup title this year, fending off his primary challenger Johan Museeuw, Paolo Bettini can also be found on his website, www.paolobettini.it. At this point the site is offered only it Italian; the English version is not yet available.

Eddie Tobin Obituary

By Shane Stokes, Irishcycling.com

Irish cycling is mourning the untimely loss of one of its most respected officials, Eddie Tobin, who passed away unexpectedly at an event over the weekend. He was involved in the sport for many years and was instrumental in the bringing a stage of the Tour de France to Enniscorthy in 1998. Eddie worked on races such as the FBD Milk R‡s and Junior Tour of Ireland, and put much into the sport on a grassroots level. A hardworking, friendly and much liked man, he had many friends in the sport and will be remembered as much for his warm smile as for what he contributed to cycling.

"I was shocked by the news of Eddie's death," said FBD Milk R‡s organiser Dermot Dignam yesterday, echoing the sentiments of many. "He was one of the most conscientious officials on the FBD Milk R‡s, working hard in his role as timekeeper for the race. Eddie was a most affable and obliging individual, for whom no task was too large. He will be greatly missed."

Funeral Mass is on Wednesday at noon in St.Aidan's Cathedral, Enniscorthy. May he rest in peace.

(All rights reserved/Copyright Knapp Communications Pty Limited 2002)