News for March 6, 2000

Luis Herrera released

The kidnapped Colombian cyclist Luis Herrera was released Sunday. His brother Rafael Herrera received a phonecall by the 38 years old ´Lucho´ and could pick him up 15 kilometers from his house in Fusagasugá, in a rural area of the province Cundinamarca 60 kms from Bogota. He had then been after a prisoner of a still not identified armed group for 24 hours and is reported to be in good condition.

The authorities are investigating rumours that the kidnapping was conducted front for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (the CRAF), that had a truce with the Government since last October. 500 agents were called in by the governement to help in the search, the second of a Columbian cyclist in recent times.

The country's president, Andrés Pastrana, broadcast a message on Saturday night to the kidnappers that they release Herrera immediately and unconditionally. The Police and armed forces offered nearly a million pesetas to facilitate his rescue.

Luis Herrera is the most decorated of all Colombian cyclists, winning the Tour of Spain in 1987, and retired in 1993, and now is the father of three children. He was kidnapped Saturday morning whilst visiting his mother. He currently works as a trainer for cyclists as well as running a cattle property.

Ullrich to San Remo?

Although it has been on "the plan" for quite some time, Jan Ullrich's participation in the upcoming Milan San Remo is now not assured, according to team director, Walter Godefroot. The team's number one goal is for Erik Zabel to cross the line first, bringing his victory count in the event to three. Is Ullrich up to the task, after finishing 93rd in the Vuelta a Murcia, and losing nearly a minute and a half to ONCE's David Cañada on the final stage?

Godefroot says that "his start in Milan San Remo is not sure yet - we will clarify after the Tirrenio-Adriatico," which starts this Wednesday. Also on Ullrich's plans is the Criterium International in France starting a week after "La Primavera". The reason for this according to Godefroot is the presence of the Pyreneean stages - all good preparation for the Tour.

Despite losing a lot of time in the Murcian race, "alles ist in ordnung" in the grand plan. "Jan is in better shape than at this point last year," assures Godefroot.

However, Zabel will gain from the fact that Alberto Elli had such a good ride in Murcia. The tall Italian came fourth and will likely play a key domestique role in two weeks time. Other riders set to start are Steffen Wesemann, who has had excellent form so far this year, and Gianmateo Fagnini and Alexandre Vinokourov.

Godefroot also commented about the recent retirement of Dane, Bjarne Riis, who concluded his career in a fashion not of his own choosing but had no option. "He does not have interest in working for team Telekom as it was said. Perhaps he wants to be one of Telekom's honour guests. In San Remo we will probably clarify the situation," said Godefroot about his former Tour winner.