Cofidis case continues

The trial involving former members of Cofidis over the 2004 allegations of 'acquiring and holding banned substances' is underway near Paris. During the court proceeding yesterday, David Millar shed light on doping. "Because my job was to make results," said the British rider according to AFP "... You take drugs because you are a prisoner of money and glory."

Ten people involved with the 2004 Cofidis affair are facing trial for infringing France's anti-doping laws. Seven of the 10 are cyclist or ex-cyclists linked to the French squad Cofidis; Italian Massimiliano Lelli, Brit David Millar, Frenchmen Philippe Gaumont, Robert Sassone, Médéric Clain, and Poles Marek Rutkiewicz and Daniel Majewski. Also on trial will be director sportif Oleg Kozlitine, trainer Boguslaw Madejak, and pharmacist Pierre Ben Yamin.

Retired rider Gaumont claimed during his deposition that "hypocrisy reigns and there is a culture of syringes. ... It is hard to change things in cycling. It is controlled by former riders, which are often former cheats."

The trial, expected to last five days, will be led by judge Richard Pallain and will look into various charges of drug trafficking and use.