3 July 2008

BREST - Tour de France chief Christian Prudhomme is convinced this year's race can take place without the numerous drug-tainted scandals that have left the event fighting for its credibility.

The 95th edition of the world's biggest bike race begins here Saturday with Australia's Cadel Evans and Spaniard Alejandro Valverde as the favourites to capture the famous yellow jersey.

Ahead of a tough three-week race, devoid of the traditional prologue and with plenty of action promised in an innovative first week, there remain plenty of detractors following the 2007 edition which was blackened by the unceremonious exit of race leader Michael Rasmussen, among others, over suspicions of doping.

Even the reigning champion, Spaniard Alberto Contador, is absent because his Astana team were not invited due to doping controversies at 2007's race while the team was under different management.

Prudhomme believes there has now been a change of conscience within the peloton, but he was quick to underline that it is not the Tour organisers' job to police the peloton.

"For years the Tour de France has done what it could (in the fight against doping), and every year the possibilities are getting smaller," Prudhomme said in an interview with AFP.

"We have the capacities as a major race organiser, but we're not a regulator of the sport and we don't want to be.

"As well as the anti-doping rules and measures there is a real determination to fight doping. I believe that exists in the majority of teams and with the majority of riders.

"Without doubt, cycling's head was buried in the sand for a long time but I believe that is no longer the case."

Another innovation, this time unplanned, is that this year's race will be held under the auspices of the French Cycling Federation (FFC), and not the international body (UCI).

Following years of feuding over the UCI Pro Tour, the company which owns the Tour de France, ASO (Amaury Sports Organisation), pulled out of the elite racing series along with several other major race organisers.

 1 2 Next >