Mercury fires Gallopin

The management of the Mercury cycling team issued a brief press release late Wednesday evening announcing the dismissal of Alain Gallopin, the team’s assistant director in Europe. The release gave no reason for the dismissal except to say that he had somehow “violated long-standing team policy and procedures.” Gallopin’s duties have been assumed by Eddie Borysewicz, who had held a similar position with the team’s U.S.-based program.

The team is currently experiencing financial difficulties following the bankruptcy of its one-time co-sponsor Viatel, a communications infrastructure company. The team has recently confirmed tentative plans to merge with the French Division II team La Française des Jeux, Gallopin’s former employer. Gallopin was featured in VeloNews in March, just a few months after the team hired him.

Contacted Wednesday evening, Mercury team manager John Wordin declined to comment further on Gallopin’s termination.

The following is the full text of the release issued by the Mercury team on Wednesday:
Alain Gallopin, former European Assistant Director of the Mercury Cycling Team has been released from his duties with the team. Gallopin’s dismissal is a result of his violation of long-standing team policy and procedures. Various actions undertaken by Gallopin have been in direct conflict with specific directives mandated by senior team management.

Gallopin’s duties for the remainder of the 2001 season will be fulfilled by Assistant Director Eddie Borysewicz, who primarily assumed a domestic management role in the earlier part of the season. Borysewicz’s duties will be aided by Assistant Director Whit Yost.