Cycling Round Up |
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Archives: January 2001
However, instead of shirking from the request, Armstrong’s squad has openly welcomed the tests as they state that the analysis will finally prove that the team is clean. Their only proviso is that an independent expert of their choosing should assist in the examinations. In a press release issued by the team, general manager Mark Gorski said that the tests would finally dispel the innuendo voiced about Armstrong, who returned from advanced cancer to win cycling’s toughest event in 1999 and 2000. ‘We completely support an expedient and thorough analysis of any important information related to the ongoing investigation’, he said. 'We have no reason to hide any of the facts that might be uncovered through the analysis of these blood samples.’ ‘Further, in the interest of fairness and objectivity, we have requested that an independent expert of our own choosing be appointed to assist in the analysis and to report on their findings to all parties.’ Armstrong has always denied taking banned products. The current investigation arose last Autumn from allegations made by the French media that the team had utilised the product actovegin, which is believed to have blood-boosting properties similar to EPO. However, should the pending analysis prove negative, the tests will all but prove the innocence of the nine riders who participated in last year’s Tour. ICF PRESIDENT WELCOMES GRANT RAISE: (Jan 26) Irish Cycling Federation PJ Nolan has welcomed yesterday’s announcement of the Irish Sports Council’s grants for 2001, stating that the level of £206,700 will bring about ‘significant benefits’ for Irish cycling. The amount represents a sizeable increase over the figure of £143,243 allocated last year which, according to Nolan, represents a vote of confidence in the ICF’s strategy to develop the sport. The federation has indicated that the funding will enable its three main projects to go ahead this year, namely the appointment of a Chief Executive, a Development Officer and financial support for elite Irish cyclists to race in France for the season. The two personnel appointments are expected to be made in late spring, while the six designated Team Ireland riders will move to the Marseilles region in the coming weeks. ‘We are very pleased with the Sports Council’s level of funding for 2001’, said the ICF president. ‘We have been in good discussions with the council of late where we explained our future strategy to them. John Treacy had asked us where our priorities lay and we told him that recruiting the two new staff and basing the riders abroad were our main concerns.’ ‘The significant increase in funding means that these three objectives will be achieved this year. In turn, these should have a strong, knock-on effect for Irish cycling.’
An announcement has been issued by the team explaining that the financial troubles emerged when the main sponsor, Linda McCartney foods, cut its level of funding and another decided at the last hour not to support the team. Other sources within the team have however painted a more chaotic picture, stating that the McCartney company had completely withdrawn funding this year but were still depicted as major sponsors purely to try to entice others to come on board. It has also emerged that the Jaguar company, triumphantly announced as backers last week, had actually no agreement with the squad. Much of the blame for the situation has been levied at general manager Julian Clarke, who reportedly suffered a heart attack yesterday after being confronted by other, previously unsuspecting, members of team management. The squad’s farcical collapse comes just one day before tomorrow’s high profile press launch in London’s Trafalgar square was due to take place. Irish riders Ciaran Power and Mark Scanlon are returning home today with a large question mark over their futures. Agent Frank Quinn is endeavouring to find new contracts for the young Irishmen, but concedes that the task will be a very difficult one. ‘We will be sending out their resumes straight away but at this time of year it is going to be very hard to secure something for the two lads’, he said. LAST DITCH ATTEMPT TO SAVE LINDA McCARTNEY TEAM (8.30pm Jan 24) Following today’s shock news that the backers of the Linda McCartney professional cycling team may be on the verge of pulling out, team road manager Sean Yates and rider’s representative Max Sciandri are in last ditch talks to save the squad. Yates and 1996 Atlanta silver medallist Sciandri have met with the sponsors and are endeavouring to secure their support for the current season. Although much confusion surrounds the crisis, it has appeared that some riders have not been paid for months. And, despite recent assurances to them by general manager Julian Clarke that all was rosy, it emerged today during a team meeting that the situation was far more serious than the unsuspecting squad had thought. The Linda McCartney cycling team tonight released a statement in which it was disclosed that Clarke is no longer part of the outfit and that they will be endeavouring to put a new management structure in place. In the release, press officer John Deering stated that ‘all riders and staff met this morning to discuss the situation, and have given their approval and support to Max and Sean. There is an atmosphere of solidarity and optimism that a positive outcome can be found, with a new structure likely to be announced in the next 48 hours.’ However Frank Quinn, who is the agent for both Ciaran Power and Mark Scanlon remains unconvinced. ‘I feel at this stage that there is little chance of the team being saved’, he said. ‘Ciaran and Mark are preparing to come home and in the next few days I will do my best to find them new teams. It will however be an uphill struggle at this time of year.’ LINDA McCARTNEY TEAM MAY GO BUST: (4.00pm Jan 24) The cycling world has been rocked today by the news that the backers of the Linda McCartney professional cycling team may be about to pull out. Team management are in crisis talks with Linda McCartney foods and Jacobs Creek, the main sponsors of the outfit, in an attempt to save the team who were hit with the unexpected news this morning. The crisis comes two days before the squad was due to launch its 2001 line-up in London’s Trafalgar Square, plunging the future of its two Irish signings Mark Scanlon and Ciaran Power into uncertainty. Both riders had one-year contracts with the team for this season. While the reason for the crisis is unknown at present, it is appears that a deal to continue sponsorship of the team by Linda McCartney foods may not have been finalised, and has fallen apart at this eleventh hour. More news is expected from the team later, with a meeting due to take place between riders representative Max Sciandri – who was an Olympic silver medallist in Atlanta – team management, and the food company itself. The news is a bitter blow to the two Irish riders, who according to agent Frank Quinn, will face an uphill battle to secure a place in the pro peloton at such a late stage. 'If the team is gone bust, then it will be very difficult to find a place for them at this stage', he said. 'There is talk about meetings later on, but both riders seem to feel that there is little hope of the team continuing and that puts them in a very awkward position.' 24 year old Ciaran Power had made his professional debut with the squad twelve months ago, competing in races such as the three week Tour of Italy, while the 20 year old former world junior champion Mark Scanlon was due to begin his pro career with them in next week’s Mallorca Challenge. Both Irishmen had flown to London this week to be part of the 19 rider team launch scheduled for noon on Friday. The launch has, understandably, been cancelled. Ireland's only other professional is Olympian David McCann, who has signed for the second division Polish CCC Mat team.
‘There has been a number of errors in the past which have meant that cycling has not developed as it should have’, he said. ‘I am not interested in pointing the finger at any particular individuals, but it is clear that the federation as a whole has not done a particularly good job over the past few years. This has to change.’ In a well-received presentation Nolan listed a number of problem areas where he believed the ICF had fell down in the past. Poor image, a dearth of communication between the board and members, a scarcity of sponsorship, a lack of professional expertise and direction were all cited, as was poor management decisions. ‘Our membership has dropped from 4,500 to 2,300 in the past ten years’, he said. ‘If we were a business, serious questions would have been asked long before now.’ The Meathman went on to outline new approaches which the current board believe will boost cycling’s fortunes. Paramount in the ICF strategy for this year are attempts to entice leisure and veteran cyclists into the fold, a drive to increase the numbers of women cycling plus a new initiative to place elite riders abroad. The recruitment of young members has also been pinpointed as a crucial aim. A clearly motivated Nolan also stressed the need to work closely with the Irish Sports Council in the future. ‘When I first came into office a few weeks ago, it was clear that the working relationship with the Sports Council was not as positive as it could have been. Since then, the board and I have worked hard to prove to them that we are serious about the future and about our dealings with them.’ ‘I think that John Treacy appreciates that things are changing for the better in the federation and hopefully the soon-to-be announced grants will reflect this. Ultimately, though, I would hope that with a lot of hard work that cycling could grow big enough to be a more self-sustaining unit. That has to be our long-term goal’, he said. Also speaking at the meeting were board members Maurice Murphy and Paddy Doran. Murphy talked at length on a number of issues, in particular the proposed return of third category riders to Irish racing. While the C category featured several years ago will not be in place for the start of the season, he stated that a newcomers licence would available to enable novice riders to line out in junior bunches. Paddy Doran outlined plans to continue with his successful coaching programmes and also spoke about the proposed reintroduction of track racing onto the Irish calendar. A committee has been formed to work on the issue with more details to be announced when available. All three speakers welcomed questions and suggestions, both at the meeting and in the future. 'It is not our federation, it is your federation', said Nolan to those assembled. 'We have to be more open and it is important that we get feedback from our members'.
The 90 kilometre criterium on the streets of Adelaide was a crucial one for 1999 Tour Down Under victor Stuart O’Grady, who today scooped enough bonus sprints to lift himself into the race winner’s yellow jersey. Power was 23rd overall, 17 minutes behind the Australian but made a good impression in his first race of the season by finishing best placed of his team. <More coverage of the Tour Down Under here> POWER LOSES TIME IN TOUR DOWN UNDER: (Jan 20) Ciaran Power today saw his chances of a world ranking points-scoring top 15 place in the Tour Down Under disappear when he missed a vital move in the Australian race. The 24 year old second-year professional was left stranded when a large counter-move went clear in the closing stages and bridged up to a quintet who had been ahead for almost the whole 156 kilometre stage. Power crossed the line in 47th place, 13 minutes and 3 seconds down on stage winner Kai Hundertmarck of the German Telekom squad. Hundertmarck has also taken over the lead of the 2.3 world-ranked race, with 1999 winner and home favourite Stuart O'Grady snapping at his heels in second place. Power is now 23rd, 16 minutes 58 seconds behind. He nevertheless remains best placed of his Linda McCartney team with just a 90 kilometre criterium race on the streets of Adelaide left to be covered. However, there is little chance of the team coasting through tomorrow's stage; the Tour Down Under's main sponsors Jacob's Creek also back the squad and so consequently they will be under pressure to finally deliver a stage win. As one of the team's fastest finishers, Power will no doubt be in the thick of the action on the final stage tomorrow. POWER TENTH ON FOURTH STAGE OF TOUR DOWN UNDER: (Jan 19) Irish cyclist Ciaran Power today continued his excellent run of form in the Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under in Australia, taking 10th place on the 157 kilometre fourth stage to Strathalbyn. The 24 year old Linda McCartney rider crossed the line in the main bunch, 17 seconds behind a trio of riders which was led home by Australian rider Luke Roberts. In addition to taking his third top ten finish in four days, Power has also risen in the overall standings to 18th place in the prestigious season opener. With two stages left, he is currently 4 minutes and 8 seconds behind new race leader Nicolaj Bo Larsen of Denmark. The Tour Down Under continues tomorrow with a 156 kilometre stage to Tanunda. However, Power’s best chance of a stage win lies on Sunday’s 90 kilometre criterium in the streets of Adelaide, which should favour the plucky, fast-finishing Waterford rider. Although he is, by his own estimation, several months away from top fitness, the former FBD Milk Ras winner has surprised many with his competitive form in this, the first race of the professional cycling season. POWER SEVENTH ON 3rd STAGE OF TOUR DOWN UNDER: (Jan 18) Irish cyclist Ciaran Power registered another strong performance in the Tour Down Under earlier today when he sprinted home to his second top-ten place in three days. Today’s 165 kilometre stage to Victor Harbour was won by a lone breakaway in the form of Italian Alessio Galletti, but in the dash for the line just over 3 minutes later, Power came home in 7th place. Crucially, he gained a handful of seconds over the bulk of the main field and has moved upwards in the general classification of the world ranked Australian race. Power is now 21st overall, 3 minutes 55 seconds behind new race leader Stuart O’Grady. He has also consolidated his position as best placed rider of his Linda McCartney-Jacob’s Creek squad, leaving more experienced team mates in his wake thus far. The Waterford cyclist will draw considerable encouragement from his performance in the season opener. Riding alongside former Tour de France yellow jersey wearers and stage winners, the second year professional can justifiably feel that he has moved up a notch in 2001. Power is keen to stress that he is still short of racing condition, and doesn’t expect to reach full fitness until later this spring; on those grounds, he can expect to have a good year and will be gunning for his first professional win in the coming months. The Tour Down Under continues tomorrow with an undulating 157 kilometre stage through the McLaren Vale wine district and finishing in the town of Strathalbyn. The 2.3 ranked race concludes with a 90 kilometre criterium in Adelaide on Sunday. POWER MAKES CUT, THEN LOSES TIME (Jan 17) Day two of the Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under, and Irish cyclist Ciaran Power slipped out of fourth place overall on the 142 kilometre undulating stage to Murray Bridge. The 24 year old Linda McCartney team rider made the initial cut on a day characterised by constant attacking, drawing clear of a main bunch which was to lose a massive 27 minutes by the finish. However, Power’s lack of racing this year showed on the run in to Murray Bridge and he faded to cross the line in 25th place, 3 minutes 49 seconds behind winner Fabio Sacchi of the Saeco team. The Irishman, who finished in a group containing team mates Juan Carlos Dominguez and John Tanner, was philosophical about slipping from fourth to 25th overall. "Myself, Juan Carlos and John are riding into form for later on in the spring, so we probably weren't the ideal men for today," he admitted. Power remains best placed of the team, 3 minutes 55 minutes behind new race leader Sacchi, but is now likely to shift his attention towards aiming for a stage win in the prestigious season opener. The Waterford sprint specialist drew confidence from yesterday’s 4th place finish and will do his utmost to secure the first victory of his professional career before the race ends on Sunday. The Jacobs Creek Tour Down Under continues tomorrow with a 165 kilometre leg to Victor Harbour. POWER FOURTH ON OPENING STAGE OF TOUR DOWN UNDER, AUSTRALIA (Jan 16) Irish professional Ciaran Power got his 2001 season off to a flying start today when he placed an excellent fourth on the opening stage of the Tour Down Under in Australia. The Linda McCartney team rider rode solidly throughout the 47 kilometre criterium race, based on 25 laps of a street circuit in Glenelg, before a hectic finishing sprint which saw him cross the line just one place away from the podium. Power’s result in this, the first race of the professional cycling season is a valuable confidence booster for both the 24 year old, and his team who are under pressure to deliver the goods in a race which is sponsored by one of their own backers, Jacobs Creek. ‘It is a terrific start to the season for him’, says Power’s agent Frank Quinn. ‘You couldn’t really as for more from his first race, and I think it shows that he is coming into this season stronger than he was last year. Hopefully Ciaran will continue in this way and perhaps land a stage win before the race finishes.’ Today's honours went to Graeme Brown of the United Water team, with fellow Australian and former Tour de France yellow jersey Stuart O'Grady placing second. More importantly, the stage placings mirror the overall classification, meaning that Power holds 4th place overall going into tomorrow's 142 kilometer road stage to Murray Bridge. The 2.3 ranked race finishes on Sunday. ARMSTRONG WELCOMES URINE ANALYSIS: (Jan 16) Current Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong has hit back at those suggesting he utilised performance enhancing drugs to achieve back-to-back victories in the race. The 29 year old American, whose US Postal team is currently under investigation in France, today welcomed the recent announcement that the urine samples frozen during the Tour would be analysed to ascertain if any misdemeanour had been committed. ‘If they're going to test the samples, hallelujah’, said a defiant Armstrong, who insisted that his team had nothing to hide. Stating that the tests would put an end to the current speculation, he urged that the analysis be carried out as soon as possible. ‘I wanted them to test the samples after the Tour de France. They need to do a credible and professional job, with credible scientists. What are we waiting for? It doesn’t take long to test samples, but now they are saying it will be the end of January…?’ In the interview, which was featured on the Procycling magazine’s website, Armstrong also spoke of his disappointment when close friend and team-mate Kevin Livingston signed for the Telecom team of arch rival Jan Ullrich. "It was very hard to believe," Armstrong said. "I heard rumours that it (Livingston’s reported contract with the Linda McCartney team) was falling apart, then I heard he’d signed with Telekom. I don't even know how to draw a comparison there. It's like Colin Powell or General Schwartzkopf going to Communist China…" Armstrong stated that Livingston’s defection and the investigation into the team had combined to make this winter the most stressful in recent years. However, he insisted that the US Postal squad would remain strong without Livingston, but added that ‘from a friendship perspective, I was disappointed. I still care for Kevin a lot (but) I don't talk to him very much. I don't understand those actions."
It’s all change at Kelly Roche house. Today the ICF advertises for a chief executive, inviting applications for a new position which will cost the federation over £30,000 per annum but, it is envisaged, will reap considerable benefits. According to recently-appointed president PJ Nolan, the move is an essential one if the federation is to have a more professional approach. Later this month five new people from the world of business and sports administration will be co-opted onto the board, with the aim of assisting the existing executive and advancing both development policies and the drive to recruit new members. The quintet are expected to be announced shortly, as are the new managers for the senior, junior, ladies, mountainbike cross country and mountainbike downhill squads. ‘There is a lot of good work going on at the moment’, states a clearly motivated Nolan, ‘We are working on a lot of ideas which should improve things across the board.’ Amongst these plans are a revised approach to the nurturing of elite riders, plus the appointment later this year of a development officer to spearhead a recruitment drive within the nation’s schools. Before then, an opportunity to assess both the form of top riders and the opinions of clubs, and individuals, around the country. On Sunday week the ICF are holding a meeting at the Ardboyne hotel in Navan, beginning at 9.30 with a group training spin, continuing with a prize presentation and culminating with a Q and A session with the new president. Finally, Linda McCartney professional Ciaran Power begins his 2001 campaign next Tuesday in the Tour Down Under in Australia. Billed as an event for the sprinters, Power will welcome the early opportunity to test his finishing speed against some of the world’s best riders. Meanwhile, his team mate Mark Scanlon recently had pins removed from the arm he broke last Summer. The Sligoman has resumed training and is expected to be in good shape for his professional debut in February. UCI REDUCE DISTANCE OF TOUR DE FRANCE; SEEN AS ANTI-DOPING MOVE: (Jan 13) In a move seen as an effort to combat doping within cycling, the UCI (International Cycling Union) has imposed limitaions on the racing calendar of professional riders. The measures, which are due to be implemented in 2002, include a reshuffling of dates for major events and crucially also limit the length of major stage races such as the Tours of France, Italy and Spain. Under the ruling, the three week Tours now have to include a minimum of two rest days, are limited to 3,500 kilometres in length and may only have two stages in excess of 225 kilometres. The measures should act to limit the severity of cycling’s biggest tests; last year’s Tour de France was 3630 kilometres, while the Tour of Italy was even longer at 3,707. The difficulties of such races have long been regarded as one of the primary reasons why riders take recourse to banned products such as EPO. Indeed within cycling circles it is often stated that the Tour de France takes one to two years off a riders life expectancy; former professional cyclists are recognized as having significantly higher mortality rates than the general public. VIRENQUE APPEALS BAN: (Jan 12) French cyclist Richard Virenque has lodged an appeal against the nine month suspension he was handed down last month. Virenque, who recently confessed to doping after two years of denials, yesterday lodged the appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne. The 31 year old has protested that the nine month ban, which effectively prevents him from competing this season, is excessively long and could force him to retire. Virenque's case is expected to be heard within four months, handing him a chance of competing in the Tour de France should the hearing prove successful. Although the five times King of the Mountains winner has not yet signed for a team for the current season, French squads Confidis and Jean Delatour have indicated that they would be willing to hand the disgraced rider a contract.
Although Italian sprint specialist Mario Cipollini withdrew from the line-up on Tuesday, the six-day, 2.3-ranked tour boasts many more big names, including Andrei Tchmil and Jeroen Blijlevens (Lotto), Tom Steels (Mapei) and Stuart O'Grady and Bobby Julich of Credit Agricole. It's a good season opener for Power, providing both top-level racing and the opportunity to secure some world ranking points early on. The Waterford cyclist is then due to take the long journey back north to Trafalgar Square for the Linda McCartney team presentation on the 26th, where he will be joined by new teammate and debut professional Mark Scanlon. Next stop for the duo is the five-day Mallorca Challenge, beginning on February 4th, then Power branches off to contest the Ruta del Sol (18th-22nd) while Scanlon targets the Vuelta e Algarve (11th-15th). As for David McCann, the national road race champion has gone to Poland to prepare for his season with the Mat Ceresit CCC team. McCann was one of the most impressive Irish riders last season and will be determined to make a strong debut in the paid ranks. O’LOUGHLIN BOUND FOR FRANCE: (Jan 4) Irish under 23 champion David O’Loughlin has confirmed that he will be based in France for the 2001 racing season. O’Loughlin, who was frustrated in his search for a professional contract despite finishing 9th in the world under 23 TT championships, will line out for the UVCA Troyes outfit this year. ‘I had hoped for a pro contract but nothing came of it in the end’, he says. ‘So I am going to race with the French team and see what I can get for next year.’ O’Loughlin will attend a training camp in Spain from the 14th of this month, and will make his racing debut on the 4th of February. VIRENQUE SET TO APPEAL: (Jan 3) Following last week’s decision by the Swiss cycling federation to suspend Richard Virenque for 9 months, the cyclist has indicated that he will contest the severity of the ban. The Frenchman, who resides in Switzerland, finally confessed to drug use at the so-called Festina trial in December after a two year denial of any wrongdoing. However, he has indicated that he will appeal the decision in an attempt to reduce the suspension and thus resume racing this year. Two teams, Confidis and Jean Delatour have recently indicated that they would be interested in signing the multiple Tour de France King of the Mountains winner. Virenque is expected lodge an appeal in the next three weeks, most probably with the Court of Arbitration in Sport in Switzerland. The Frenchman’s ban is two months longer than that handed down to his Festina teammates following their confessions two years ago. However, his persistent denials in the intervening period are thought to explain the longer sentence, together with the fact that he misled the court as to the extent of his income in an attempt to lessen a possible fine. |
US
POSTAL SQUAD HANDS OVER BLOOD SAMPLES FOR TESTING: (Jan 31) Double
Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and his US Postal teammates have
approved analysis by the French authorities of blood samples collected during
last year’s race. The measure has been taken in order to determine if
the American squad utilized banned substances as has been alleged by the French
media.
CRISIS
TALKS FAIL, McCARTNEY SQUAD COLLAPSES: (Jan 25) Crisis talks
last night between the Linda McCartney cycling team and its backers have failed
to find a resolution to the sponsorship crisis which emerged yesterday, leading
to the collapse of the 19 man professional squad.
ICF
PRESIDENT PROMISES NEW APPROACH: (Jan 21) In a frank speech which
pointed out past errors plus current difficulties, Irish Cycling Federation
president PJ Nolan yesterday promised wide-ranging measures to promote the
development of the ICF and of cycling in this country. Speaking at the national
championships prize presentation in Navan, Nolan stressed the need for the
federation to adopt a more professional approach in the future if the current
recession within the sport was to be overcome.
Encouraging
signs from ICF: (Jan 12) It may be less than two months since
the Irish Cycling Federation AGM, but already a new sense of direction and
growing confidence are evident within the governing body. Despite the turbulent
times of last year, when falling membership, a budget deficit and political
infighting plunged the ICF into crisis, indications are that the federation may
be on the road back from the most difficult period in its recent history.
POWER DOWN UNDER:
(Jan 5) New year, new ambitions. With the 2001 racing season about to begin in
Europe, Ciaran Power, Mark Scanlon and David McCann have begun final
preparations before kicking off their campaigns in the professional ranks. This
week, Power flew to Australia to fine tune his form before the start of the Tour
Down Under, which runs from the 16th until the 21st of this month.