The president of the French Cycling Federation (FFC), Jean Pitallier, has publicly insulted the manager of Spanish Würth team, Manolo Sáiz. Speaking about the latest doping affair in Spain involving Sáiz, who "temporarily" stepped back from his functions inside the team on Friday, June 9, Pitallier said that he wished Sáiz would disappear completely out of the cycling world. "He's a villain, riffraff" said Pitallier about the man who has been a team director for 15 years and was closely tied to the UCI ProTour.
If it was his choice, Pitallier would not allow the Würth team [Kazakhstan sponsor Astana has yet to be confirmed by the UCI - ed.] to the upcoming Tour de France. "I would not invite them anymore - even if they have Vinokourov," the Frenchman continued. "It would give new power to the sport." A reaction to "Operacion Puerto" of Tour de France organiser ASO is expected in the coming weeks.
