News for October 1, 1999

Mario Cipollini will not start in the track world championships in Berlin October 20-24 due to "family problems". Cipollini was supposed to start in the individual pursuit as a preparation for next year's Olympic games in Sydney. His Olympic ambitions will not be affected by Thursday's decision. The 32 year old sprinter had some good results in an outdoor six day race in Fiorenzuola in Italy this summer but in September, just hours before the start of the Vuelta he withdrew from the race due to his wife's illness, and some days later his father was seriously injured in a bicycle racing accident.

German Worlds selections

Jan Ullrich will lead the German team for the World Championships, according to Olaf Ludwig, vice-chairman of the German cycling union. The news was announced after the third stage of the International Hessen Rundfahrt.

The team has a strong contingent from Telekom, containing: Rolf Aldag, Dirk Baldinger, Bert Grabsch, Danilo Hondo, Jörg Jaksche and Andreas Klöden, as well as Klier, Nierman, Schweda and Schlickau

In the time trial Jens Voigt will ride.

Saeco Cannondale for next millenium

Twelve riders will stay on with Saeco Cannondale next year. Seven new riders have been confirmed on the team: Dario Pieri, Biagio Conte, Pavel Padrnos, Daniel Atienza, Christian Wegmann, Jorg Ludewig and neo pro Torsten Nitsche. Also, Galletti is expected to sign soon.

Continuing from this years team are: Cipollini, Dufaux, Savoldelli, Commesso, Calcaterra, China, Guerra, Meier, Mori, Pugaci, Scirea and Secchiari.

AG2R taking shape

The "new" French outfit, AG2R-Décathlon (formerly Casino) now has at least ten riders on it's list:

Christophe Agnolutto (Fra), Lauri Aus (Est), Stéphane Barthe (Fra) Pascal Chanteur (Fra), David Delrieu (Fra), Arturas Kasputis (Ltu), Jaan Kirsipuu (Est), Gilles Maignan (Fra), Benoît Salmon (Fra), and neo-pro Ludovic Turpin (Fra) are all confirmed for next year.