The charge by Scott Sunderland against Cees Priem has not been withdrawn. In the contrast to earlier rumours Sunderland is still pursuing the action against the TVM manager in the court in the Turnhout (Belgium) claiming that Priem must take responsibility for his dangerous driving during last year's Amstel Gold Race. Sunderland fell after coming into contact with the TVM team car which Priem was driving. The Australian was taken to the hospital in Maastricht where he was initially diagnosed with concussion. Scott was released from hospital and returned to Zottegem in Belgium where he lives. He became very ill later next day and was rushed to the hospital in Gent. After further examination the Gent hospital it was discovered that he had a blood clot on his brain behind his eyes. He was given emergency surgery - an operation taking 4 hours - which saved his life. He did not race again in Europe that season. He has resigned with the Belgian team Palmans but is still suffering from the injuries and his future is uncertain.
Sunderland served a claim against Priem on account of his lack of income arising from being unable to race for months on end after the accident. TVM lawyer Joost van Mierlo said that Sunderland is completely recovered. Van Mierlo said: "He is riding again and has even won a race in Australia."
In an Australian Internet Magazine (www.cyclingnews.com) Sunderland said in an interview that he was still seriously hindered by the injuries and their aftermath. According to the rider he did ride a criterium at Noosa Heads (Australia) but he because of the pain in his neck and his back he had to ride for half the race on his pedals rather than the saddle. Sunderland said that he was still under the care of his doctor. Further, he said he remained adamant that the case would continue. Sunderland did not know if he would be able to compete at the top level as a professional again as a result of the accident.
Van Mierlo said yesterday that the accusation by Sunderland has not been withdrawn. "I haven't heard of the matter for a long time. It is incredible. but so far all I know is that the officer of justice in the court is still intending to proceed. I think that the matter will come to nothing. If you study the TV footage of the incident properly, you will see that Priem had not alternatives and did not cause the accident."
Bill: I cannot get in touch with Scott for a day or so because he is heading back to Belgium. But I can assure readers that Scott did not win any races while back here and used some races for training purposes. He is still very restricted in his movements and cannot apply full pressure through his pedals. His showing in recent races in Melbourne and Adelaide confirm that he is a long way off being back in good form.
Gerard Dine, a medical expert, has been conducting a study of around 200 cyclists. The riders are being monitored four times a year for health problems. The first report from the research says that 90 per cent of the cyclists tested were suffering from what they term "ferric overload" - a typical side effect of EPO use. The riders had an average iron level 5 times higher than the norm. The long term implications were listed as liver or kidney cancer. Of those detected as having excessive iron levels, 40 per cent already had liver and pancreas problems.
The doctor in charge of the study gave the newspaper his interim results. The French Cycling Federation, who ex-Festina manager Bruno Roussel said were implicated in the use of drugs in French cycling, responded to the newspaper's article with "surprise". The President of the FCF Daniel Baal, told Liberation that: "Right now, we must not jump to any conclusions. These findings must be judged over a long period of time. The young rider know now of the effects that drug abuse can have. Hopefully they will not take EPO as a result."
Sporting director Roger Swerts said: "Last season we had results that no-one ever dreamed of. This year we are watching for performances from the professionals like Glenn D'Hollander and Kristof Trouvé. With the loss of 31-year old Johan Verstrepen to Lampre-Daikin, we are looking to Kurt Van Lanker to take over the role as road captain. He has been a professional for 6 years now."
The team is also looking for outcomes from newcomers Davy Daniëls and Jurgen Guns. Daniëls won the Under-23 Belgian ITT championship and also Seraing-Aken-Seraing and Longchamps-Bastenaken. He was also second in the Ronde van Vlaanderen and got a top 10 finish in the Baby Giro. Guns, is 22 years old and rode a good World Championships (Under-23) and won the Ronde van Vlaanderen.
The 1999 line-up:
Sports Director: Roger Swerts.
Adjunct-Sports Director: Claude Van Coillie.
New riders: Davy Daniëls, Jurgens Guns, Stijn Schoenmaeckers, Wesley Huvaere, Jurgen Van Roosbroeck and Andy Vidts.
Riders retained: Wilfried Cretskens, Glenn D'Hollander, Kris Gerits, Nico Renders, Tom Stremersch, Kristof Trouvé, Kurt Van Lancker, Karel Vereecke and Stive Vermaut.
Riders departing: Wim Van Sevenant (Collstrop), Bert Roesems (Tönissteiner), Jarno Van Frachem, Leif Hoste (Mapei), Erwin Thijs (PSV Köln), Peter Wuyts (Lotto), Johan Verstrepen (Lampre).
The news is not all good however. Lechuga's white blood cell count has dropped dangerously low and he is very susceptible to infection. He is receiving white blood cell booster medication during his current chemotherapy session and his must stay in a sterile room with limited visitors. He is scheduled to go home tomorrow and with good luck, should be able to make it to training camp for team pictures on February 12. Ernie hopes to be able to resume training sometime this summer.
Thanks to Michael for the clarification.
B grade saw a five man break team time trial to victory from the dispirited pursuers.
C grade held together until two laps to go when Paralympian/Amputee World Record holder Paul Lake jumped away and held a small gap to the finish. His move was well thought out as the field sprint was taken by Rob Tidey, Cyclesport Victoria saw fit to include Tidey in the A grade field at last Saturday's Cyclists International Cup! The other notable placing was that of John O'Sullivan in fourth. John (65) rode for Australia in the 1956 Olympics!
D grade was dominated by the ride of Katie McTier who soloed off at 15 minutes only to be flipped at the finish by one D. Meffert who bridged up alone some five minutes from the finish. This is McTier's first season and the promising tri-athelete looks set to move up in the sport.
A Grade, 1 hour plus 3 laps: 1. James Taylor 2. Robert Tighello 3. Tom Leaper 4. PauL Anders Started: 28 B Grade, 1 hour plus 3 laps: 1. B Rowbotham 2. P Bolton 3. R Newnham 4. B Will Started: 31 C Grade, 45 minutes plus 3 laps: 1. P Lake 2. R Tidey 3. S Rush 4. J O'Sullivan Started: 52 D Grade, 45 minutes plus 3 laps: 1. D Meffert 2. K McTier 3. B Dove 4. B Cochrane Started: 25Thanks to Mark Chadwick