Chiapucci gets his licence backThe International Cycling Union (UCI), the sport's ruling body, handed back Italian cyclist Claudio Chiappucci his licence here on Friday after he served a two week ban for failing a blood test. The 34-year-old Italian, nicknamed the 'Devil', received his licence back after he passed a second blood test at the UCI's laboratories on Friday. Chiappucci had returned a 51 percent level of red blood cells, in excess of the 50 percent limit set by the UCI, during the Tour of Romandy earlier this month. Chiappucci, twice a runner-up in both the Tour of Italy and the Tour de France, failed in his appeal last week to have the decision overturned so he could ride in the Tour of Italy, which started last Saturday.Banesto newsBanesto confirmed to EFE today the name of six riders -Abraham Olano, Manuel Fernandez Gines, Santi Blanco, Jose Maria Jimenez, Orlando Rodrigues & Marino Alonso- who have their participation assured for the Tour de France. The other three riders will come out of a group of six or seven cyclists which includes Prudencio Indurain, Jose Ramon Uriarte, Ramontxu Gonzalez Arrieta and Frenchman Armand de las Cuevas.Snippets from the GiroRoberto Sgambelluri, 23 year old, neo-pro from Siderno Marina (Reggio Calabria). "Sgambe" anticipated the sprint from his escape companions Dario Frigo, Michele Coppolillo & Tobias Steinhauser. Robertino, winner of the Baby Giro '96, the Silver Medal at the Worlds Lugano in the time trial and the road race, has achieved his first win as a pro. Coppolillo - Michele Coppolillo, the climber from Team MG-Technogym has recuperated 20" in the General Classification, he remains seventh, but now at 1'49" from Tonkov.Faustini goes home - Stefano Faustini, the man from Brescia, revelation of the Giro d'Italia '96, returns home today. Faustini suffered bursitis of his left knee. He will be operated on Monday and will return to racing in August. Scirea K.O. - Cipollini looses an important memeber of his team. Mario Scirea fell during yesterday's stage and is recovering at the hospital after getting two stitches on the forehead and the jaw. A gesture by Tonkov. The Russian in Pink caught Bugno in difficulty, so he passed him his water bottle on yesterday's stage. Fines - 150 Swiss Francs and a one minute penalty to Stefano Casagrande for drafting off a moving vehicle. Fine of 50 Swiss Fracns and 10 second penaly for Peschel for leaning on a moving vehicle. Tour of Ireland - Stage 6: Killorglin - Bandon
|