Astarloa free to go
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ByEurosport
Published 23/04/2004 at 16:52 GMT
World champion Igor Astarloa and Cofidis have parted company, the team announced on Friday. Embroiled in a doping scandal, the embattled French team suspended all its activities two weeks ago and now states that the Spaniard is "free to join another group
Eurosport
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"The world champion has just been - at his request - freed of all obligations to the team," read the statement on Cofidis' website.
The suspension of the team after the arrest and confessions of several riders deprived recent signing Astarloa of the spring classics.
He was most notably unable to defend his Flèche Wallonne crown this past Wednesday.
Other riders whose status is in limbo include Australian sprinter Stuart O'Grady and reigning world time trial champion David Millar of Britain.
NEXT STOP LAMPRE?
Press reports have persistently linked the 28-year old native of Ermue with Lampre. The Italian outfit, currently missing the services of injured leader Francesco Casagrande, would then be able to pencil in Astarloa for next month's Giro.
Press reports have also suggested a return to his previous team, Saeco.
The Spaniard signed a two-year deal with Cofidis just before winning the world championships in Hamilton last September.
In their statement, Cofidis wished Astarloa luck, saluting "the professionalism of the rider but also the kindness and simplicity of the man."
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