News for August 29


Snippets

Olympic gold medallist PASCAL RICHARD told the press in Atlanta that on September 4 he would disclose the name of the new team he was joining. The Swiss rider, currently with MG-Technogym, is reliably expected to be joining a French team in 1997, and rumour has it that the team is Petit Casino, which will have a budget of French francs 20 million (about US$4 million) next season.

ERWAN MENTHEOUR, a French time trial specialist currently with Monaco-based team Aki-Gipiemme, is to join Stephane Heulot at Marc Madiot's new Francaise des Jeux team next season.

Italian rider FABIO FONTANELLI (MG-Technogym) is reported to have tested positive for testosterone after finishing 5th in the Amstel Gold Race in April.

Zabel - who else!

DPA reported today the following :

" Erik Zabel will stay with the german Team Deutsche Telekom for two more years. Walter Godefront and the sprinter agreed on a new contract which also contains a higher payment during the Tour of Holland in Harlem. Godefront said : It was not a question of money but of sport and perspective. Zabel douted if he would still fit into the concept of Telekom with two potential winners for the big tours. ( My opinion : it worked out fine this year, why not next year as well. ) This weekend, there will be talks with Bjarne Riis about his new contract. "

I think that will put an end to all the rumours whose shirt Erik Zabel will wear next season.