Revelations about the past of Mauro Gianetti, Pogacar’s Manager (Radio France Investigation, Translation in post)

[Old Ned]

At the Het Volk (Het Niuesblad these days) race in Belgium in 1993 (or 94? memory not what it was!) we picked up 2 riders who had packed because of the cold. One was Thiery Marie the TT specialist and the other was Mauro. At the time we were happy to do this and got along fine with the pro's. Thiery gave me his bidon as a thank you, I still have it. A Festina one. Perhaps I should have asked them if there was anything else they would have been happy to pass on.....................................

 

[daccordimark]

I remember being told by the father of a young British hopeful racing in Europe back in the late 80s, maybe early 90s, that his son gave up all hope of moving into the pro ranks when it was made plain to him that even at top amateur level doping was in effect compulsory.

 

[LondonClassic]

If it's good enough for Walsh, it's good enough for me.

You've said this before. I am curious why you place such binary faith in Walsh. Fine work on LA then a 'nothing to see here' position on Sky (both parties employed by the same paymaster). Kimmage absolutely went to town on Walsh after that. I can understand Walsh's position underwrites the faith needed to keep 'believing in miracles' but as you as you say, its his 'belief'. He is just as capable of having a belief thats wrong as...well anybody.

 

[Old Ned]

I remember being told by the father of a young British hopeful racing in Europe back in the late 80s, maybe early 90s, that his son gave up all hope of moving into the pro ranks when it was made plain to him that even at top amateur level doping was in effect compulsory.

Les West turned down an offer top ride for Bic pro team BITD because he was told that a percentage of his pay would be taken to provide for 'preparation' - and we all know what that meant.........................