News for March 7, 2001Recent results and new features 53rd Grand Prix du Midi LibreThe 53rd edition of the Grand Prix du Midi Libre will be held from May 22-27 this year, and it is the biggest race on at that time outside the Giro d'Italia. The complete route was unveiled today, and the six stages encompass nearly 1000 kilometres of varied terrain. The first stage is 181.5 km, between Gruissan and Saint-Cyprien (Eastern Pyrénées). It contains two minor difficulties, the col d'Extrême and the côte de Paziols, both category 4. Stage 2 will take the riders between Saint-Cyprien and Pézenas (Hérault) over 190 km with another 4th category climb, the côte de Treilles. There is a time trial stage on the third day in Montpellier, 19 kilometres long, starting and finishing next to Mosson football stadium. Stage four will be tougher, with two second category climbs en route between Pont du Gard and Laissac (209 km). Stage 5 is between Rignac (Aveyron) and Mende (Lozère) over 188.5 kilometres, with two 4th category climbs (côte de Solsac and the côte de Chabrits). The final stage is 208.5 kilometres between Florac (Lozère) and Sète (Hérault), with the col du Rédarès (4th category) and Mont Saint-Clair (hors category). The latter is to be climbed twice and will likely decide the race. So far, 14 of the 18 invited teams have confirmed their participation, including La Française des Jeux, ag2r Prévoyance, Bigmat Auber93, Bonjour, Cofidis, Crédit Agricole, Festina, Jean Delatour, Fassa Bortolo, Lampre-Daikin, CSC World Online, Euskatel-Euskadi, Team Deutsche Telekom and Collstrop-Palmans). The stages Stage 1 - May 22: Gruissan (Aude) - Saint-Cyprien (Pyrénées-Orientales),
181.5 km Linda McCartney team accused of fraudThe Linda McCartney cycling team saga continues, with the latest development being that the sport's governing body (UCI) has accused them of fraud. The accusation came today after the UCI attempted to use the bank guarantee for the 2000 season to pay some of the salaries that riders were owed from last year. Unfortunately, the bank did not receive such a guarantee, although team management presented the UCI with a document saying that it had been lodged. "Therefore, the UCI, the riders and other staff members were deceived by a fraudulent act," said a UCI spokesman today. The UCI bank guarantee has been recently introduced, and is designed to offset these non-payment scenarios by guaranteeing the riders at least a quarter of their salaries. For a team to be registered for the season, a guarantee must be lodged. The UCI are planning to file fraud charges in Switzerland or Britain in an attempt to recover the money that was never there.
Wüst still trainingInjured German sprinter Marcel Wüst has still not given up hope that he can continue his cycling career, after losing the sight in his right eye in an accident in August last year. He told German magazine Radsport that "retirement is not the worst" and is still keeping himself fit with daily training. Wüst wants to wait until the middle of the year (May-June) before making a decision about his career. "Until I officially say so, I am still a professional cyclist," he said. "I could be dead or in a wheelchair, so a possible career end is not the worst thing that could happen to me." "I am lucky that I have received support from my friends and family," he added. Festina have already offered him a job in the team should he retire from active racing, either in a management or PR role.
Cipollini makes quick recoverySaeco's Mario Cipollini has made a fast recovery from a mystery illness that prevented him from riding in the Giro di Campania today (won by Dimitri Konyshev). The Tuscan sprinter had a temperature, diarrhoea and nausea on Sunday night but has quickly recovered and was able to go training today. Saeco Macchine per Caffe' are aiming to race him in the three races in Sicily this week: The Giro dell'Etna (Thursday, March 8), Trofeo Pantalica (Saturday, March 10) and the Giro di Siracusa (Sunday, March 11). In addition, Mirko Celestino, winner of the Trofeo Laigueglia two weeks ago, will be using the three races to build up for Milan-Sanremo, his first big objective of the season.
Kelme sign Laurent DesbiensSpanish team Kelme-Costa Blanca have added French veteran, Laurent Desbiens, to their squad for 2001. The 31 year old former Castorama and Cofidis rider is best known for his stage win and yellow jersey in the 1998 Tour de France. He will ride in the team in the 2001 Tour de France in place of the Ochoa brothers.
Blijlevens and Van Gulik to USAJeroen Blijlevens and Fulco van Gulik are two members of the Lotto team who are going to the United States for two stage races. They start on March 13 in California with the Redlands Classic, which runs until March 18, backing up with the Sea Otter Classic on March 22. Team manager Walter Planckaert is hoping for success from Blijlevens. "I am taking him with me for some stage victories," he said. Other teams for these tours include Mapei-Quick Step, US Postal and Mercury Viatel.
Domo-Farm Frites scheduleThe Domo-Farm Frites team will field the following riders for Paris Nice (March 11-18): Axel Merckx, Dave Bruylandts, Steve De Wolf, Piotr Wadecki, Koos Moerenhout, Steven Kleynen, Tomas Konecny and Robbie McEwen. Other Domo riders, including Johan Museeuw, Romans Vainsteins, Wilfried Peeters and Max van Heeswijk, will stay in Belgium for this coming weekend's Guldensporentweedaagse, a two day, 2.4 classed event.
Frans De Mulder diesFormer Vuelta winner, Frans De Mulder (63) has died in Deinze, Belgium. He was Belgian "independent" champion in 1958, and professional champion in 1960. However, his most important victory was winning the Vuelta in 1960, winning 4 stages along the way.
Foot and Mouth cancellations updateAll road races in Wales during the month of March have been cancelled. In England, the Spring Road Races at Great Gidding, Cambs, the Philip Russell Memorial Pursuit 2 at Newby, Cleveland and the Stags Head Road Race at South Molton, Devon, all scheduled for Sunday 11th March, have been cancelled. Portsmouth's BCF National Points Race League Round scheduled for 14th April 2001 has been cancelled, but not due to Foot and Mouth! Note: Foot and Mouth disease affects livestock, not humans, but is easily transmitted by humans. It is absolutely devastating to livestock, hence the caution.
International Society for Laboratory Hematology SymposiumThe International Society for Laboratory Hematology will be holding its 14th International Symposium on Technological Innovations in Laboratory Hematology from May 9-11, 2001 in Montpellier, France. As part of this symposium there will be a Special Workshop on "Blood Doping in Sports and Detection Strategies". This workshop will address fundamental issues in normal and artificially stimulated red blood cell production as well as other forms of aerobic performance enhancement. Based on current knowledge and available technologies the workshop will address strategies for testing of illegal boosting of aerobic performance in athletes. Contact: Rina Varga
PeopleSoft/Sagemark Cycling TeamPeopleSoft Consulting and Sagemark Consulting have both teamed up to support the former Atlanta based Team Kinko's. With a history dating back to 1992, this original squad has been an Atlanta tradition for over 8 years. 1999 Southeast champion Mark Kebbecus will be one of the team's top stage racers, along with support from six other Elite members. The team could field a strong Masters squad, given the age of most of its members. Their main focus will be on the Pro/1/2 events however. The main goals for the team are the Athens Twilight, Super Week, Sea Otter, and the Bermuda Grand Prix. Team Roster Chuck Schmidt Sponsors PeopleSoft Consulting (www.peoplesoft.com)
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