From La Gazzetta site, with wonderful Google translation:
MILAN, February 1, 2008 - The wait is over. A 100 days after departure from Palermo here are 21 teams invited to the 91 th edition of the Tour of Italy, chosen by Rcs Sport between 34 nominations arrive. Dell'elenco are not currently part of the Astana Klöden and Contador, the winner of the Tour de France, the High Road to Ciolek and Hincapie, born from the ashes of Telekom and the Acqua & Sapone-Mokambo Stefano Garzelli, who gained Rose in the 2000 race. Among the Italian teams there are Diquigiovanni-Androni of Simoni and Bertolini, of the Lampre Cunego, Lpr Di Luca and Savoldelli, of the Liquigas Pozzato and Bennati and Bettini of Quick Step. PASSPORT AND ETHICS - The organizers have understood respect the intentions known early October to Wada (World dell'antidoping agency), and all'Uci Federazione Italiana, allowing teams to the time needed to assess and respond to the rules laid down by biological passport . The selection criteria are based on clear principles: "ethical, quality, international, historical relations with Rcs Sport", which in this respect "reserves the right to unilaterally withdraw the invitation at any time", says in a note . NUMBERS - At away from Palermo on May 10 there will be runners of 31 countries, 9 for each of the 21 registered formations. Viewers will reach slightly above the 2 billion. The Italians ahead of the Tour 2007 were 56 on 198 (ie 28.8% of the lot); those announced at the start of the Tour 2008 are currently estimated in the number of 55 on 189 (29.1%).
On Feb 1, 2:27 pm, Hell And High Water <[email hidden]>
Quoted message said:
From La Gazzetta site, with wonderful Google translation:
MILAN, February 1, 2008 - The wait is over. A 100 days after departure from Palermo here are 21 teams invited to the 91 th edition of the Tour of Italy, chosen by Rcs Sport between 34 nominations arrive. Dell'elenco are not currently part of the Astana Klöden and Contador, the winner of the Tour de France, the High Road to Ciolek and Hincapie, born from the ashes of Telekom and the Acqua & Sapone-Mokambo Stefano Garzelli, who gained Rose in the 2000 race. Among the Italian teams there are Diquigiovanni-Androni of Simoni and Bertolini,
i laughed my ass off when i read the press release.
what does high road care ? they're not selling anything.
stapleton says he's keeping the team going because he doesn't want to leave all the riders and staff in a lurch. in that case why doesn't he just write them their cheques and they can stay at home, and he'll save a bundle on flights, laundry and tubulars.
