Jacob's Creek Tour down Under 2001 Reports
No Show for "Super Mario" Its no surprise and its just what most cycling fans who are regular followers of the sport were expecting anyway. Yes, surprise, shock, horror, the Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under 2001 will be missing Saeco's super sprint star Mario Cipollini. In a statement from the tour organizers to the media dated 2/1/01 the following gives reasons for his non attendance
Australian Major Events, organiser’s of the Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under, have received notification that Italian cycling star Mario Cipollini has pulled out of this year’s Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under. An official letter from Saeco Director, Claudio Corti states
"As you know, Mario had a UCI suspension in February and for this reason his training programme for the early season has needed to be revised. You have to consider also that due to the uncertainty of the UCI enquiry and the extended wait until mid December, Mario’s morale and physical form are not in top condition."
Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under Race Director, Mike Turtur has expressed disappointment at the news.
"It is very disappointing for us as race organisers and also for Cipollini’s Australian fans, but even without Cipollini we still have the strongest field that this race has ever enjoyed, said Turtur."
I'm sure it will be Mike and yes we can all look forward to a great race here this year. I wish Mario a speedy recovery with those physical and morale problems, something I am sure the team is very concerned about at this stage of the year. I have no doubt that with good support from the trainers and medical staff, Super Mario will soon be back to his old self and his winning form.
Taking Cipollini’s place will be Tour de France stage winner and 1999 Italian road champion Salvatore Commesso.

back