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Tuesday's EuroFile: CSC gives Voigt a two-year deal; Botcharov extends; Pineau's Vuelta plans in doubt
CSC extends Voigt contract
On the heels of re-signing American Bobby Julich, the CSC team has announced that Germany's Jens Voigt has also extended his contract until the end of 2007.
Julich signed a two-year deal earlier in the week, following a remarkably successful season that included overall victories at Paris-Nice, the Criterium International and inaugural Tour of Benelux.
Voigt, too, has had a good year, racking up eight wins this season.
CSC has already extended the contract team leader, Ivan Basso, who finished second in this year’s Tour de France.
Botcharov extends with C.A.
Russian cyclist Alexandre Botcharov has extended his contract with Crédit Agricole, the French team announced on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Botcharov made his professional debut in 2000 as a member of Ag2r and joined Creedit Agricole in 2004. He’s ridden the Tour de France.
Ailing Pineau doubtful for Vuelta
Bouygues Télécom’s Jerome Pineau said he remains uncertain as to whether an apparent viral infection will keep him out of this year’s Vuelta a España, which begins on August 27.
Pineau has undergone blood tests to determine the cause of a lingering fatigue that kept him from participating in last Saturday’s Clasica San Sebastian.
"I did a few tests of my performance last week and the results were not all that promising,” Pineau said. “I thought at first it was because I had simply not taken enough time to recover from the Tour de France, but I think there may be other causes. Right now I am just waiting the outcome of the blood tests."
“My plans for the Vuelta are very compromised at this point,” he added.
Pineau said he remains hopeful that he will recover in time to be chosen for the world championships, scheduled for September 25, in Madrid, Spain.
