Cycling: Virenque in drugs confession

Tuesday 11 May 1999 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

RICHARD VIRENQUE, the leading French rider now with the Italian team Polti, last night admitted being supplied with performance-enhancing drugs. His confession came only hours after police in Paris revealed that they had heard him asking for drugs - after tapping the telephone of a lawyer suspected of supplying riders with banned substances.

French police claim that the lawyer, Bertrand Lavelot, is one of the principal suppliers of drugs. The other is alleged to be the thoroughbred horse breeder and former amateur cyclist Bernard Sainz, who, along with Lavelot, was remanded in custody on Sunday.

Virenque had denied taking drugs following the Tour de France scandal last year when his Festina team were ejected.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Cycling: Virenque in drugs confession

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering