 | TEAM FACTFILE Country: France Manager: Stephane Champetier Best Tour: Snatched third place and the mountains prize in 1998 |
Cofidis' build-up to this year's race has been far more relaxing than a year ago when doping investigations were the team's main news. As a result team leader David Millar admitted to taking illegal substances and was handed a two-year ban.
Despite that, the team, most noticeably Stuart O'Grady, did their utmost to get more positive headlines.
The Australian, in his first season with the team, took a thrilling win on stage five.
In the end his consistency against the power men of the peloton saw him finish fourth overall in the points race.
David Moncoutie also had his moment of glory when he finished in front of the rest of the field on stage 11.
In the end, the Frenchman crossed the line in Paris 34th overall.
The team's best hope of glory looks certain to rest on O'Grady's shoulders. He already looks in good form and was regularly in the top 10 in the Giro d'Italia sprints.
Team boss Stephane Champeter will not be particularly perturbed he failed to win a stage as it was little more than preparation for the Tour de France.
With some younger guys making a name for themselves, this year is probably O'Grady's last really good chance for the green jersey.
MMIX
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