News for September 29, 2002

Edited by Jeff Jones & Chris Henry

ASO annoyed about Tour route leak

The Amaury Sports Organization (AMO), organisers of the Tour de France, has issued a statement saying that they "regret" the information that was broadcast on French television regarding the route of the Centenary Tour de France, which begins on July 5 in Paris. The show was broadcast on France 2 on the evening of September 26, and included details of the start and 15 of the finishing towns, as well as the main mountain passes to be tackled during the Tour. Some of this information was already known - the Tour would start in Paris at the same place as it did in 1903, and would include the legendary climbs of the Galibier, Izoard, Alpe d'Huez, Tourmalet, and the Aubisque, as well as the six original cities visited in 1903.

The ASO claims that the information was incomplete, and could lead to confusion. "The official route of the Centenary Tour de France will be announced on October 24 at the Palais des Congrès in Paris," read the statement.

It was confirmed that the final time trial on July 26 (a day before the Tour ends in Paris) will take place from Pornic to Nantes, over approximately 50 km.

Lefevere hoping for a Gonzalez win

Patrick Lefevere, manager of the Quick Step-Davitamon team, is hoping that Aitor Gonzalez wins the Vuelta tomorrow. Gonzalez, together with Kelme teammate Juan Jose de los Angeles, is reportedly close to signing for Quick Step, with just a few formalities to be sorted out.

Fassa Bortolo adds Cioni, Pozzato, Cancellara

Mapei-Quick Step riders Dario David Cioni, Filippo Pozzato, and Fabian Cancellara will ride for Giancarlo Ferretti's Fassa Bortolo squadra next season according to the Italian press. Also it is rumoured that the transfer of Dario Frigo (Tacconi Sport) back to Fassa Bortolo is a strong possibility.

Steegmans to Lotto-Domo?

According to some reports in the Belgian press, Belgian U23 time trial champion Gert Steegmans will ride for Lotto-Domo next year.

Previous world champions at Zolder

Several previous Belgian world champions will be on hand in Zolder for this year's World's events. The champions will be present for racing events, beginning with the elite men's time trial on Thursday, October 10, as well as for other festivities, including the Old-Fashioned Kermesse the same day.

Benoni Beheyt (1963 world champion) will assist as a motorcyclist on duty during all races, Claude Criquelion (1984) will be co-commentator for Belgian TV network RTBF, and of course among the current crop of riders, 1996 world champion Johan Museeuw has already been selected for the men's road race.

Gimondi turns 60

The great Italian champion Felice Gimondi will celebrate his 60th birthday on Sunday, September 29 (the same day as Oscar Sevilla). The Bergamo domiciled Gimondi won the Tour de France in 1965, the Giro d'Italia three times (1967, 1969 and 1976), and the Vuelta España in 1968. Gimondi also won classics such as Milan-San Remo (1974), Paris-Roubaix (1966), Paris-Brussels (1966 and 1976) and the Giro di Lombardia (1966 and 1973). Last but not least, he won the World Championships in 1973 in Montjuich.

Bad crash for Van Hyfte

CSC-Tiscali's Paul Van Hyfte was one of those riders involved in the Stage 2 crash in the Circuit Franco Belge. Van Hyfte was hit from behind as he stopped to avoid the crash, hurting his knee and having to have stitches to his face.

"He has to spare his knee in the weeks to come but he does not seem to be seriously injured", said team director Christian Andersen. It's not known yet whether this will affect his chances for the World's.

Foot operation for Vermaut

Stive Vermaut, who had to sit out much of the season while he determined whether he had a heart problem, will undergo an operation to his foot at the end of the season. Vermaut's last race will be a kermesse in Zwevezele on October 10. He currently rides for Palmans-Collstrop, but it is not certain that he will race for them next year.

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