Richard Virenque

Richard Virenque takes the big prize
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Unlike other riders who are often in a hurry to get to their hotels after the race, you can trust that Richard Virenque will always be available for an interview, and then another one if you ask him.It has been eleven years since the last time Virenque pulled the yellow jersey over his head.Only 22 years old, he was then overwhelmed and in tears, and even though he is soon to turn 34, he still hasn't lost that dramatic sense.Never shy of the attention from his fans and the cameras, Richard brought his two kids, Clara and Dario, to the podium where he received three bouquets of flowers and the two jerseys that his career has always been concentrated around.
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Richard did just that, and sent a gasp of disbelief through the masses and the press in Morzine.The climber who had been looking so focused just minutes ago took a zip of water, looked at Aldag and then went after him again.It took a while, but surely, he closed the gap to the German Telekom rider.
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During the Dauphiné Libéré, critics were quick to raise their voices when Richard could not follow with the front riders in the mountains, but here in Morzine, Richard is just as quick to defend himself."It is true that I didn't ride so good at that race, but I only rode the race as a preparation for the Tour.I was shocked by the level that some of the guys were riding at, but they are also the same riders who are being dropped first here.I am an experienced rider, and when I prepare to do well at the Tour, I will do just that."

Surrounded by his family and his fans, Richard is once again the centre of everyone's attention, a position he has fought hard to regain.