Milram team manager Gianluigi Stanga reacted to the statement of Worlds organisers that Erik Zabel was not welcome at the World Championships, saying that he felt the need to intervene on discussions which he considers "absurd". Committee president Susanne Eisenmann named Zabel as one of the riders not welcome in Stuttgart because of his admitted use of the banned blood booster EPO in the 1990's.
In a strong letter of recommendation which came courtesy of the Milram team's press agent, Stanga said that Zabel "lives bicycle racing 365 days a year, 'resting' at the Six Days during the winter", and races from January to October on the road, something which has made him "the most esteemed rider in the peloton" and an "example of professionalism and reliability."
