With the Tour de France just over two weeks away, it remains to be seen what will happen after yesterday’s news that USADA is starting an anti-doping proceeding against those involved with the former US Postal Service team. However because RadioShack Nissan’s general manager Johan Bruyneel is one of six charged, as is current RadioShack Nissan doctor Pedro Celaya, questions exist about their status for the Tour.
According to RMC Sport, either the RadioShack Nissan team or Bruyneel could end up being excluded from the Tour de France over the issue.
It states that the Tour organiser ASO is currently considering this possibility, which presumably would be taken to protect the reputation of the event.
RMC Sport contacted Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme, who declined to give a specific response on the rumour.
"The management won’t comment on the unfolding case since at present, we have been told that this is just the opening of an investigation,” he said. “No statement will be made as part of the Armstrong, Bruyneel and RadioShack. If a decision should be made, it would be under the auspices and under the rules of the UCI.”
In truth, unless there is specific proof of wrongdoing on the RadioShack Nissan team, it’s difficult to envisage the entire squad being excluded. However Bruyneel may find himself under pressure from either ASO or the team sponsor.