News for January 13, 1998

Paul Herygers not in Belgian World Championship Team

The 1994 World Champion, was sick in Geraardsbergen, was not on the De Vlaeminck's list and lost his place to Peter Van Santvliet. "I have telephoned Paul this morning." said De Vlaeminck. "He could naturally not guarantee that he would be at his strongest for the World Championships and thus I did not select him."

Ullrich in Spain

Ullrich looks a little overweight still but he has stated that he hopes to be in good condition by the begining of the season (Challenge Tour of Mallorca, February 8-12).

Clearing up the Spanish Teams Situation

Alasdair Fotheringham writes: It is Igor, not Iñigo. He is Alvaro Gonzalez's little brother.

I asked - Is Jose Del Olmo (ESP19730426) the same as Txema Del Olmo?

Jan-Christiaan Bol (Netherlands) replies: From Stefaan Degryse's page, José-Maria del Olmo is listed with a birthdate of 6-3-75. So that's one difference - The number above implies a birthdate of 26-4-73. I do know that Txema del Olmo Zendegi rode the Tour l'Avenir 1997. So we can say that Txema del Olmo was stagiair with Euskadi from 1-9-97 till 31-12-97. But no certainty about his date of birth.

Alasdair Fotheringham writes: Jose does mean Txema and is the same person.

I asked - Hasn't Santos Gonzalez changed to ONCE from Kelme?

Jan-Christiaan Bol (Netherlands) replies: At Kelme's WWW site, Santos Gonzalez is not mentioned in the changes listing so we assume that he is staying with Kelme.

Alasdair Fotheringham writes: Santos Gonzalez is not riding for ONCE and therefore I imagine staying at Kelme.

I asked - Did Jose Jarque ride with the Portugese Maia team in 1997 or was he just elite without contract?

Jan-Christiaan Bol (Netherlands) replies: He was elite without contract until 31-8-97. From 1-9-97 he rode with Maia. And Jarque rode the 1997 Tour of Spain until the 13th stage with Maia. And since only pro's can ride the Vuelta he must have been a professional at that stage.

Alasdair Fotheringham writes: Jarque rode with the notoriously awful Santa Clara squad for two years as a pro and then reclassified himself as an amateur for a year with Perez amateur squad up near Madrid.

I asked - Hasn't there a Spanish/Russian team called Lokosphinx (with a Spanish licence) been announced. The team was not listed. Is it still going on. There were reported to be 4 Spanish riders in the team.

Kris Verreth writes: I just checked Stefaan's list of '98 trade teams, he has Lokosphinx listed under Russia (6 Russian riders, 4 Spanish riders). I think I read they would operate out of Spain but guess they're officially Russian.

Alasdair Fotheringham writes: Lokosphinx are still unsure about their involvement in pro cycling. But if they do do so will be racing under a RUSSIAN licence, alleging excessive paperwork in Spain's system.

I asked - There were some discrepancies between the Italian and Spanish teams lists. Are Ivan Cerioli and Stefano Verziagi (Estepona) and Elio Aggiano (Seg) Italian or just returning from Italian teams.

Alasdair Fotheringham writes: The three riders you mention are all Italian. The Vitalicio one is supposed to be something of a sprinter.

I asked - Isn't Johan Bruyneel going to ONCE?

Bill Hawkins writes: In an interview in Cycle Sport Magazine, Johan Bruyneel mentions his return to the ONCE squad for 1998.

Sean Kneale writes: He did mention in the Cycle Sport article that he was sad Zulle was leaving because they got along well and Brunyeel liked riding with him.