News for July 5, 2000EPO easy to getThe French Sports Ministry has, according to rider's spokesman Xavier Jan, ordered EPO by the internet to be delivered to the French government office. "It is easy to get it via the internet," he told morning paper Le Figaro last Monday, and said according to his sources that anabolics and growth hormones have also been delivered to the Ministry. He went to relate that he and some riders on his team "as an experiment," tried to get EPO while in South Africa on the Rapport Toer early this year. "We went in our sports clothing to a pharmacy and asked for EPO ampoules. It was as easy to get as a tube of Aspirin."
Merckx almost definiteAxel Merckx hasn't signed yet, as he is not allowed until September 1 but he has given his word. He'll ride the next two years for Domo, and not for Lotto, Mapei or Vitalicio. "It was especially the figure of Patrick that did it. His approach pleases me extremely well," said the Belgian champion. "Actually, it will not be a big change for me. The supporting personal are coming mainly from Mapei. I'll find familiar faces such as Museeuw and Peeters back there. Only the name of the sponsor changes." Merckx also admitted that the fact that Domo is no longer interested in VDB relieves him. "After the Belgian Championship, I already had the impression Frank wouldn't come. With him on the team, it would have been more difficult for Patrick to direct. I have my own chance in a few races where VDB wants to be the one and only leader." At the moment Axel Merckx is in St Moritz, Switzerland for a training camp.
Garzelli taking it easyWhile his Mercatone Uno comrades slug it out on the roads of France in support of Pantani, M., Giro d'Italia winner and therefore Italian national hero, Stefano Garzelli is kicking his heels back. He has taken a trip to Porto Cervo, in Costa Smeralda with his wife, Gloria - and the bike of course. However, he is not intending on six hour training rides, merely some easy pedaling each day. Lately, Garzelli has been busying himself with matters of import such as the donation of one of his Maglia Rosa to Carlo Maria Martini, the Cardinal of Milan. This happened last Saturday, while on Sunday Garzelli had to attend a large festival in his honour in Besano, involving a stint with some dancing girls. He wants a mental break more than anything after his Giro triumph (and the aftermath) and will take seven days relaxation before coming back to training. Garzelli and the half of the Mercatone Uno-Albacom squad that aren't at the Tour will contest the Attraverso Losanna on July 25, and the Trofeo Matteotti on July 30. Other contract newsBrasi suspended, Ivanov doubtful Rossano Brasi of the Polti team has been suspended by his team for an indefinite period following his high hematocrit test before stage 1 of the Tour. In addition, Serguei Ivanov (Farm Frites) will not have a contract with the team next year. He has not been fired yet, as the team is investigating why he recorded a 50% value. Veneberg to Rabobank, Farenhout to Spar 22 year old Dutch student, Thorwald Veneberg won the Dutch championships for elites without contract on June 25. As a result, he has been offered a pro-contract with the Rabobank team under Nico Verhoeven. He is due to finish studying this December. Arthur Farenhout, who rides for the Van Vliet team in the Netherlands is now a professional as of July 1 with Belgian team Spar-Oki. Thanks to cycling4all for this information
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