On Friday, the Italian team Mobilvetta was presented for 1999 at the famous Swiss ski resort Crans Montana, where in former times Eddy Merckx has often spent his active winter vacations.
Confirmed Riders: Leandro Fioroni (Ita), Marco Giroletti (Ita), Mario Manzoni (Ita), Andrea Paluan (Ita), Renzo Ragnetti (Ita), Graziano Recinella (Ita), Davide Scalmana (Ita), Valerio Tebaldi (Ita)
New Riders: Alessandro Bertolini (Ita, Cofidis), Stefano Faustini (Ita, Vini Caldirola), Mirko Gualdi (Ita, Polti), Sergei Lelekin (Rus, Neo), Ivan Quaranta (Ita, Krka Telecom), Pascal Richard (Swi, Casino), Fausto Scotti (Ita), Massimo Strazzer (Ita, Cantina Tollo) and Paolo Valoti (Ita, Cantina Tollo), and Gorazd Stangelj (Slo, Krka).
Fausto Scotti has a contract with this team as a cyclocross rider. He is born on June 18th 1966.
David Delrieu
The 28 year old David Delrieu will move from Mutuelle de Seine-et-Marne to Casino for the next season.
Lionel Virenque said: "We were obliged to take this decision now. Richard does not have a team and was obliged to finish his career."
Richard Virenque was at the centre of the Festina scandal that has consumed cycling since the Tour de France in July and has highlighted the extent of the drugs problem in the sport. At that time, the majority of his teammates admitted that they had used banned substances. Virenque, counselled by his lawyer, Mr. Gilbert Collard, always denied the accusations that he has used the drugs and also the claims of his masseur, Belgian Willy Voet.
After failing to reach a new contract with Festina, Richard Virenque tried to find a new employer so that he could continue his career. Lionel Virenque said: "In sporting terms, all the major teams want to sign Richard. But they worry about the eagerness of the media to pursue him over the drugs matter. Richard does not know what he will do now. He is profoundly sad."
His teammate Pascal Hervé said on hearing the decision: "I am very sad. French cycling has lost one of its best chance to get a yellow jersey in Paris. He is a very brave person who I have utmost respect for. He is a victim of media harassment. It is very bad. I hope you all respect his decision."
Richard Virenque:
Born: November 19, 1969 in Casablanca
Height: 1.79 m
Weight: 65 kg
Family: Stéphanie (spouse), a small daughter
Resides: Carqueiranne near to Genève
Career:
Professionnal since 1991
Teams: RMO (1991 to 1992), Festina (since 1993)
Principal results:
3 Stages in Tour de France (Luz-Ardiden 1994, Cauterets 1995, Courchevel 1997)
4 Stages of the Dauphiné Libere
Trophée des Grimpeurs 1994
Tour du Piémont 1996
GP d'ouverture 1997
2nd on GC in Tour de France 1997 (3rd 1996, 5th 1994, 9th 1995)
4 times KOM jersey winner in the Tour de France (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997)
Yellow jersey holder during 1992 Tour de France
5th Olympic Games road race in Atlanta 1996
Reinier will report back on Monday evening about that. His local paper also wrote about Priem's homecoming. They write that the pending lawsuit between Priem and Australian Scott Sunderland, who Priem ran down in his car during the Amstel Gold Race in 1998 is now in jeopardy. Apparently, sources are claiming that because he is back racing in Australia as part of his recovery, the legal claims will lapse.
I don't think so but I will find out.
1998 Crystal Bicycle Points:
Elite: 1. Tom Steels 16 2. Frank Vandenbroucke 14 3. Mario Declercq 9 4. Johan Museeuw 8 5. Peter Van Petegem 8 Espoirs: 1. Sven Nijs 43 2. Davy Daniels 8 3. Jurgen Guns 7 Past Winners: 1992 Dirk De Wolf 1993 Johan Museeuw 1994 Paul Herijgers 1995 Johan Museeuw 1996 Johan Museeuw 1997 Johan Museeuw 1998 Tom Steels
1. Ben Berden (Bel) 1.35.00 2. Peter Willemsens (Bel) 0.32 3. Paul Herijgers (Bel) 0.32 4. G. David (Bel) 1.12 5. Andy Daelmans (Bel) 1.26 6. Peter Van den Abeele (Bel) 1.52 7. David Willemsens (Bel) 2.06 8. Danny De Bie (Bel) 2.26
