Cofidis need to start anew
ByReuters
Published 10/04/2004 at 12:25 GMT
French team Cofidis will need to start afresh if they are to return to cycling, Tour de France director Jean-Marie Leblanc said on Saturday. "If Cofidis want to come back, (chairman) Francois Migraine will have to start again with new men on a new basis,"
Eurosport
Image credit: Eurosport
Cofidis, rocked by a doping scandal over the last four months, decided on Friday to quit competition until further notice to give themselves "the time and means to clarify the situation".
Leblanc applauded the team's decision. "The situation was unbearable," he said. "Francois Migraine had no choice but his decision was courageous. And he'll need some more courage.
Earlier this year, Cofidis sacked Philippe Gaumont and suspended two other riders, Cedric Vasseur and Mederic Clain, after they were questioned by police about doping substances.
"From today, and for the time that will be necessary, Cofidis will not enter teams at the start of races," Cofidis said in a statement on Friday.
The decision came on the day French sports daily l'Equipe published official documents from the investigation accusing Cofidis riders and team staff of dealing in and taking doping substances.
The first impact of Friday's decision will be seen on Sunday when Cofidis riders will be missing from the Paris-Roubaix World Cup classic.
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