Power of Caring
  presented by CIGNA

Virenque barred from Tour de France

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Wednesday June 16, 1999 01:51 PM

Jean-Marie Leblanc (right): "Richard Virenque epitomizes, in his name, in his image, the doping phenomenon, whether or not he is responsible for the situation." AP

PARIS (AP) -- Tour de France organizers today barred Richard Virenque, the top French cyclist implicated in last year's doping scandal, from this year's event.

The Polti cyclist is "not welcome" this year because "his presence would be incompatible with the image of the Tour, and the one we want to preserve," race director Jean-Marie Leblanc said.

Virenque is still under formal investigation by French authorities following the Festina doping scandal at last year's Tour that is still overshadowing the sport.

Organizers also expelled Casino's Laurent Roux and Cofidis' Philippe Gaumont, two riders under suspension from their teams. However, other cyclists from Casino, Cofidis and Polti are free to enter the race.

Invited teams Teams invited Wednesday to enter the 1999 Tour de France, which begins July 3 in Puy-du-Fou: Team Country Banesto Big Mat-Auber 93 Casino Cofidis Credit Agricole Deutsche Telekom Festina Kelme-Costa Blanca La Francaise des Jeux Lampre-Daikin Lotto-Mobistar Mapei-Quick Step Mercatone Uno-Bianchi ONCE-Deutsche Bank Polti Rabobank Saeco-Cannondale US Postal Service Vini Caldirola-Sidermec Vitalicio Seguros-G.Generali Spain France France France France Germany France Spain France Italy Belgium Italy Italy Spain Italy Netherlands Italy United States Italy Spain

Also, the TVM team has been banned in its entirety and Spanish team ONCE is free to enter, but without its sporting director Manolo Saiz and its doctor Nicolas Terrados.

The ban on Virenque, a former runner-up in the race, is the most notable decision. While several of his Festina colleagues admitted to drug usage, he has always denied knowingly taking banned substances.

"Richard Virenque epitomizes, in his name, in his image, the doping phenomenon, whether or not he is responsible for the situation," Leblanc said.

Virenque quit the sport last year after Festina canceled his contract and he was unable to find a new team.

But in January, the Italian Polti team offered him a two-year deal. After signing up with Polti, Virenque said he was looking forward to competing in the Tour.

 

Related information
Stories
Tour de France organizers look to restore image French cycling officials cleared Virenque denies confessing to drug abuse Festina parts company with Virenque Virenque wins 13th stage of Tour of Italy
Multimedia
Click here for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI.