Cycling: Syringes found near teams' hotel

FRENCH POLICE said yesterday they had found a bag containing bottles and bloody syringes near a hotel in Voreppe where four Tour de France cycling teams stayed on 25 to 26 July.

The police said a person was seen dumping a bag in a field just over 100 metres from the hotel where the GAN, Casino, Saeco and Kelme teams were staying as the Tour passed through the south-eastern region. They did not say when the bag was found but added that the bottles and syringes are now being analysed. They are carrying out a widespread probe into the Tour which was marred by revelations about the use by cyclists of drugs.

Casino's Italian cyclist, Rodolfo Massi, has been placed under investigation on suspicion of supplying banned substances to other riders. Six teams withdrew from the race and one, Festina, was kicked out after the team director said there was an organised doping ring at work in the team.

Tour of Spain organisers may change to this year's route to avoid passing through France. The race organisers said a change could be made "to avoid a repeat of what happened during the Tour de France".