1.   Arroyo referred to a French rider who not only has seen better decades but also has announced that he is leaving Chazal next year for a new French team.

2.   At this point, French riders appear to have no chance to win the Tour itself.

3.   By the penultimate lap, he had moved up even more, and on the final lap he was battling for third place with a French rider.

4.   French rider Marie-Christine Duroy, who won the Atlanta Cup in August at the Georgia International Horse Park, finished second in Rome.

5.   So victory by a French rider of a stage on this day was special.

6.   Stephane Barthe is only one of the many fine French riders who will not be competing Sunday in the world championship bicycle road race in Valkenburg, the Netherlands.

7.   The outcome was foreshadowed early despite banners encouraging French riders.

8.   Earlier this month French rider Richard Virenque, who denies knowingly using banned substances, also parted company with Festina.

9.   Earlier this month French rider Richard Virenque, who has denied knowingly using banned substances, also parted company with Festina.

10.   French rider Francois Simon was riding behind Casartelli and thought the Italian misjudged the curve.