Swiss rider MAURO GIANETTI (Team Polti), the winner of Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Amstel Gold Race in 1995, is to join Marc Madiot's Francaise des Jeux team, where he will join, among others, Max Sciandri and Andrea Peron. Another Swiss rider, PMU Romand's ARMIN MEIER, who figured strongly in the early stages of this year's Tour of Switzerland is to join Gewiss Playbus next season.
Lars Michaelsen has signed a contract for one year with TVM with an option for a second year. He is the the third Dane in Cees Priem's team after Jesper Skibby and Bo Hamburger. Michaelson (aged 27) previously rode for Festina. He was sought by Priem for the spring classics and also to help Jeroen Blijlevens in the lead up to the sprints.