Cofidis opt out of the Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde again

Cofidis have declined an invitation to the Driedaagse De Panne-Koksijde for the second year running. The French ProTour team noted that the race's tendency to have serious crashes is what has prevented it from competing in the event.

"There are always serious falls and we prefer to keep our riders out of harms way," said sport director Alain Deloeil. "We booked a nice hotel for the team in Ellezelles, where we will have a four day training camp, beginning Monday evening. This will become our preparation for the Tour of Flanders."