News for July 21, 2000

Pantani for Sydney?

The Italian Olympic road team has yet to be named, but a certain Marco Pantani has put himself back into contention with the selector of the 'Squadra Azzuri', Antonio Fusi. Despite having spent himself during the Tour, Pantani managed to take two stage wins along the way and showed he had a semblance of his former condition. After his Giro comeback, Pantani found his way into Fusi's good books, but his Tour results may mean he is given one of the five berths in Sydney.

There is one condition though, and that is that Pantani makes the Olympics his one main goal for the remainder of the year. Fusi will discuss this with Pantani in one week's time. Other riders touted as favourites for the Italian team are Bartoli, Bettini, Casagrande, Di Luca, Pantani and Rebellin.

But CONI still suspect him...

Sandro Donati, a member of the scientific commission of CONI (the Italian Olympic Committee) told a radio station in Rome today that he has doubts about the results of Marco Pantani in this year's Tour de France.

"He shocked us with his positive and negative presentations. One thing is for sure, doping has not disappeared in cycling. The only thing that has changed is the method," said Donati who believes that artificial hemoglobin is being used more widely now in place of EPO.

Potential combine of Domo and Farm Frites

The team manager of Domo, Patrick Lefevere is still looking for a second major sponsor for his team. In order to ensure its presence in division one next year, Lefevere will have to sign a few more UCI points, although he has got most of the top Belgians already.

According to Belgian TV, there are now rumours that Farm Frites may merge with Domo. After all the problems they've had as part of TVM, as well as their current crop of comings and goings, the Dutch team may well be looking for another partner. At the moment, Domo is the best and most logical choice.

Final Vuelta a España teams

The 55th edition of La Vuelta a España commences August 26 in Málaga with a 12 kilometre time trial. It finishes in a similar fashion with a 36 km time trial in Madrid, theee weeks later on September 17. One of the shortest Vueltas in history at 2933 kms also has two rest days, on the 6th and the 8th of September.

The final 20 teams have now been named, cut from the short list of 26. The teams are: ONCE-Deutsche Bank, Banesto, Kelme-Costa Blanca, Vitalicio Seguros, Euskaltel-Euskadi, Relax-Fuenlabrada, Jazztel-Costa de Almería, Fassa Bortolo, Lampre-Daikin, Liquigas Pata, Mapei-Quick Step, Team Polti, Saeco-Valli&Valli, Cantina Tollo, Festina, Rabobank, Farm Frites, Deutsche Telekom, US Postal Service and the Portuguese La Pecol.

Those that missed out are Memorycard-Jack&Jones, Cofidis, Mercatone Uno, Mobilvetta-Rossin, Manheim Auctions/Mercury and Benfica.

Vuelta a Burgos

The UCI Class 2.1 Vuelta Ciclista a Burgos takes place from August 7-10, and has already attracted the likes of Lance Armstrong and Stefano Garzelli according to the organiser. This is quite a coup to have the (likely) winners of two Grand Tours this year ride in the event.

In total, 20 teams will participate in the four day race, including ONCE, Festina, Banesto, Mapei, US Postal, Kelme, Vitalicio, Fuenlabrada, Fassa Bortolo, Polti, Palmans, Cofidis, Lotto, Farm Frites, Euskaltel-Euskadi, Mercatone Uno, Telekom and Rabobank. The official presentation of the race will take place next week on July 26.

Huser on the mend

Festina's Rolf Huser has not had much of a season so far this year. The Swiss rider is recovering from surgery on a slipped disc, however he is reported to be training well. Currently, he is undertaking some altitude training for two weeks - sleeping at 2300m/7475 ft and coming down to a normal level each day for training. He will return to racing in two weeks time and has an eye set on a ride at the Vuelta a España which begins in late August.

Zabirova OK

Russian time trial specialist and Olympic Champion, Zulfia Zabirova is on the mend after she crashed recently in a local road race. Although at first her condition was said to be serious after she hit her head on some cobblestones during the race, she is now reported to be OK. She is now in preparation for the final Russian Olympic selection events to be held from July 27 to August 2.