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On isporty - Story in July 06th 2007

2006 controversy leaves no.1 out in the cold

Posted Jul 6th 2007, 1:26pm by Nick Judd

Tour enthusiasts will have noticed the absence of the no. 1 jersey this year as the time trial gets under way this weekend…

As the world’s greatest riders make their way from London to Whitehall this weekend ahead of the first phase, Tour de France enthusiasts will notice the absence of the number 1 jersey. The traditional jersey is usually reserved for the previous year’s winner, but Floyd Landis is missing this year having tested positive for synthetic testosterone. The American is currently attempting to clear his name in an ongoing legal battle. Unfortunately the official declaration of a winner from last year can’t be announced until the outcome of Landis’s legal proceedings become clear – but second placed Spaniard Oscar Pereiro is waiting in the wings to see if he is handed the yellow jersey. Ironically French newspaper Le Monde reported that Pereiro has also tested positive during the 2006 Tour de France, alleging that salbutamol, a treatment for asthma was found in two of his urine samples. Later that month France's anti-doping agency dropped its investigation, saying Pereiro provided sufficient justification for use of the asthma medication This all means that no one will be wearing the number one jersey – or any number from one to nine. Instead the lowest number will be 11, probably worn by Pereiro as his Caisse d'Epargne team have been handed the numbers 11-19. [See Oscar in action],(http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rLV3b40ATJY)


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Tour de force!

Posted Jul 6th 2007, 1:25pm by Nick Judd

Thousands of revelers will be lining the streets as the Tour de France gets under way in England…

London is fully prepared and ready to go as the Tour de France's prologue gets under way in the capital. Thousands of revelers are expected to be out in force along the 8km time-trial route in London’s streets – that despite last week’s failed terrorist attacks. Together oranisers, police and fans are making a concerted effort to make the Tour de France a success in the wake of last week's events. Last week the police found two car bombs in London’s theatre district – while two tube stations were closed earlier in the week when suspect packages were found. The Tour also coincides with Wimbledon, the Live 8 concert at Wembley and the second anniversary of the July 7 bomb attacks. However, the Metropolitan Police Service has reassured the cycling enthusiasts that great care has been taken to ensure that they are looked after safely, as the competitors make their way past various attractions along the route. "We have thoroughly reviewed the policing plans for all events over the coming days, including the Tour de France, to ensure that they are fit for purpose," a spokesman confirmed. "An appropriate policing plan will be in place. Enhanced policing continues across the Capital. "The Metropolitan police service is well versed in delivering the policing of high profile events and this is well within our capacity to deliver." "Officers from the three London forces, MPS, British Transport Police and City of London, are working closely together to ensure the police presence is replicated across the Capital," MPS added. Tomorrow's racing sees the world’s best competitors start at Trafalgar Square. From they will make their way over Westminster Bridge, then Tower Bridge before ending in Whitehall. The winner will lead the first stage from Canterbury. View the London route


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