Richard Virenque will miss this year’s Tour de France after his appeal against a nine month drug ban was rejected by the Court for Arbitration of Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. Virenque was one of the Festina riders implicated by the revelations of systematic doping on the team.
Despite the testimonies of many within the team, Virenque steadfastly maintained his innocence right up to an unexpected volte-face during last December’s Festina trial in Lille. He was subsequently banned for nine months and fined over £2,000.
However, although he will miss the Tour this year, Virenque succeeded in gaining a reduction in his suspension. The Moroccan-born climbing specialist will now recommence racing on August 14, most likely with the French Jean Delatour team. He will thus be able to participate in both the Tour of Spain and world championships this year.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
