AMSTERDAM (Netherlands), May 6, 2010 – Three French teams will line up on Saturday for the Giro, the second national tour of the year.

Officials of three teams (AG2R, Bbox, Cofidis) explained their motivations and background for the race that has been severely shaken by recurring doping scandals.

What brings you the Giro?

Vincent Lavenu (AG2R): “This is a test of a very high level, the second largest tower in sports after the Tour de France. In our team we put in the heads of several riders (Ravard Turpin, Gadret, Bonnafond) they were going to run and we have programmed their approach accordingly. Removing Valjavec changes everything. I want my riders to stick together in adversity, they show the initiative, solidarity, enthusiasm. We can make a splash, winning a stage like Vaitkus (2006). That year also, Gadret had shone in the mountain stages. ”

Jean-Rene Bernaudeau (Bbox): “Hopefully move up the hierarchy, to comply with our ambitions. Giro, is 22 chances to score points. Voeckler 11th at Liege, the first non- Pay (in points). Fédrigo winning the Critérium International, it does not relate points. There is no clarity in cycling and the sport suffers. Compared to last year, the team is experienced a year and a half’s average age is over. ”

Eric Boyer (Cofidis): “We reiterated that we needed to score to get a ProTour license for next year. Strategically, the fact of not being invited on a lot of races we penalize. But this is not the sole objective of Cofidis. We’re going to be sporting, influence the course of the race. With David Moncoutié and Leonardo Duque who can win stages. ”

This Giro will he different from previous ones?

Vincent Lavenu: “The noose is tightening around the cheaters, it could open opportunities to the French and other riders too. Gadret One had managed to get seats behind the riders who were then caught by cases (doping ). Hopefully there are no riders flying over the Giro. This is not won. We will see in the mountain stages.

Italy is working hard. It’s nice to see the Italian justice mobilize. ”

Jean-Rene Bernaudeau: “Slowly, we see interesting things. Cycling is not going well but it’s better. There is more hope than a year ago. Some riders like Bosisio (guilty of doping at the EPO after the Giro
2009) have influenced the race, so they are nothing in the history of cycling. I support my riders thoroughly. We must believe in the government cycle, what the UCI is not easy, I’m glad she does not let go. ”

Eric Boyer: “I hope that the riders finishing in the top five will not be downgraded later. If the household is made before departure, I like it. The organizers were very clear at the technical meeting. One feels that The Giro has become aware of the scourge of doping and has taken steps to avoid repeating these cases. ”