On Monday, Priem announced that after consultations with his lawyer Joost van Mierlo, who is working out of his office in Breda, that "I am a free man". A few minutes later the story had changed because there was a discussion underway about the interpretation of the verdict. The judicial investigator Madrolle raised some old issues. In the eyes of Van Mierlo, Priem can go home. But Priem is confused: "Am I free or not? I know there is nothing more."
The TVM boss had a day of hope and was followed by camera teams, photographers and reporters waiting for information from his lawyer. The alarm was raised everytime the mobile telephone rang. By a quarter to three, Van Mierlo told Priem that he could go. Priem said that he would double check. The freedom was shortlived. A message came through that there were complications and that Priem must remain in France. He will be heard again on Wednesday.
Priem was completely confused. Also his French lawyer Bertrand Lavelot was clearly shaken. He said: "I will not speak until I have had a chance to study the written statement. I know the French system. I must take care of Priem. Hopefully by Wednesday we will be able to complete the formalities for his release."
Pietro Algeri said: "In the two days we will talk mostly about the program and with Camenzind in particular, about the Giro d'Italia. The profile of the race suits Oscar and we are sure that he would ride a great Giro, as captain".
In the next two weeks, the Italian teams will start preparing for the 1999 season. The first step is to measure up for their bikes and pick-up clothing and other materials.
Pantani and Gotti will face the challenge of the high mountains. The last two winners of the Giro d'Italia have selected to prepare for 1999 with a retreat in the snow at the start of December. They will go to Madonna di Campiglio and Passo del Tonale. Giuseppe Martinelli, team manager for Mercatone Uno-Bianchi said: "In September we were talking with Marco about the future program when Marco himself said: "Martino, why don't we have a one week retreat in the mountains?" The team will be at Madonna di Campiglio from December 16th to 22nd.
Martinelli said: "I want this week not to be entirely about cycling. The retreat should be a period to be together, without the worry of training, without the bicycle. When you are in the middle of training, there isn't a lot of time to talk, to get to know the personality of the athlete, to know each other. We will have available for our use, the Coni Center with a gym and swimming pool". The 19 Mercatone Uno-Bianchi riders will meet again on February 10th at Terracina (Latina), the traditional refuge of Pantani and Co. in the past few seasons.
Gianluigi Stanga and Vittorio Algeri will take Gotti, Rebellin and Celestino to the Dolomites from December 9th to 15th. This replicates the plans that Team Polti has followed for the last two years.
Meanwhile, Mapei will set up their headquarters in Stresa, not far from their rivals. Their winter mini-retreat will go on for a week starting on November 28.
Saeco-Cannondale will have their medical visits at Comerio at the beginning of January. Cantina Tollo-Alexia Alluminio will meet on December 2nd at Porto Sant'Elpidio to make plans. Other team preparations include gymnastics and thermal care for Ballan-Alessio at Montegrotto Terme; Chiappucci's Amica Chips will meet for four days at the beginning of December at nearby at Abano Terme.
The 1999 season will start this week for Leonardo Piepoli and Giuseppe Guerini. The two Italian climbers will be riding for foreign teams. Piepoli has transferred from Saeco-Cannondale to Spanish Team Banesto and on Friday he will fly to Madrid for the medical visit. In December, he will have three days with Banesto in Estepona (in southern Spain). Piepoli will debut at the Mallorca Challenge.
Giuseppe Guerini has transferred from Team Polti to Telekom. He will travel on Saturday to Munich, where he will be until next Wednesday for a medical visit and the handing out of materials. Telekom's retreat, with leader Jan Ullrich is planned for Palma de Mallorca in January, where Guerini will debut in February.
The stages
May 7, Stage 1, Znojmo - Znojmo May 8, Stage 2, Znojmo - Luhacovice May 9, Stage 3, Luhacovice - Pustevny May 10, Stage 4, Opava - Polanica Zdroj May 11, Stage 5, Polanica Zdroj - Polkowice May 12, Stage 6, Zagan - Cottbus May 12, Stage 7, ITT Cottbus May 13, Stage 8, Freital - Hof May 14, Stage 9, Rehau - Weimar May 15, Stage 10, Erfurt - Magdeburg