Originally Posted by alanbikehouston
The Italian authorities opened a CRIMINAL investigation of Armstrong because of something he said to an Italian rider in a race in France. Where did the Italian police get the idea they have jurisdiction over something that happened outside of Italy? And when did a conversation become a crime?
Who knows why Armstrong enters or does not enter a race? But, the re-emergence of fascist police tactics in Italy is not going to make the Giro more attractive to any riders.
The Italians want an Italian to win the Giro - its' really that simple. They certainly do not want the added competition of a fast American in the peloton. Armstrong will never race the Giro now. Unfortunately, the cycling fan is the one who has really lost out in this deal.
I would guess that if Simoni, Cunego, or Basso chased down a break (regardless as to the reason), they would not have an issue with the Italian police now.
