QUICK FINISH IN TOUR DE FRANCE

THE drugs scandal surrounding the Tour de France cycling marathon exploded
into the open when the team at the carte of the allegations, Festina, was
sensationally thrown out of the tour. The team included Richard Virenque,
the reigning mountain champion, and Alex Zulle, one of the favourites for
overall victory.

The disqualification came after the team coach, Bruno Roussel, admitted that
he had conducted a "concerted" practice of giving the team's riders illegal,
performance - enhancing drugs. Roussel, 41, and the team doctor were already
under investigation following the arrest of a masseur, Willy Voet, carrying
a cache of anabolic steroids and growth hormones.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett