News for September 19


McGee choosing between Italy and France

Australia's dual Olympic bronze cycling medallist Bradley McGee said here Wednesday he may head to Italy rather than France next year amid unprecedented interest from European professional road teams in Australian riders.

McGee, 23, said he would decide by the end of the week, but was cautious about going straight from track competition into the rigours of a European professional season in France.

"What a position to be in," he said, having to decide between a French pro outfit and an Italian amateur team.

"The thing is, I have practically no experience in road cycling apart from a few races over the last couple of years in Europe."

McGee, one of Australia's most talented riders, has been courted by new French team, Francais des Jeux, headed by former Tour de France stage winner Marc Madiot.

The feelers were put out a few weeks ago, after McGee returned from the Atlanta Olympics.

McGee spoke to Australian Institute of Sport track squad officials in Adelaide about the offer.

Track endurance coach Shayne Bannan established the French team's credibility, but also told McGee the squad had planned to set him up with an Italian amateur team.

Either option would allow McGee to race from about February until June and then link up with the national track squad to prepare for the world titles in Perth next August.

McGee believes he has benefitted from the efforts of national track teammate Stuart O'Grady, who joined powerful French team GAN two years ago before rejoining the Australian track squad.

McGee confirmed his long-term plan was to ride for Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, after winning bronze in the 4000m individual and teams pursuit events at the Atlanta Games.

Last year, he was a member of the teams pursuit squad that won the world title.

Three amateurs get a chance at Team Telekom

In 1997, Telekom sport director Walter Godefroot wants to give at least three german amateur riders an opportunity to ride as a pro in the team. It is said that Jan Schaffrath and Jens Voigt (both from Berlin) and track specialist Danilo Hondo (Cottbus) are having good chances.