Tour de France petition is boosted with top names

Yesterday at the Pickclub Club luncheon in London, the petition was boosted by the signatures of Rick Stanforth (Saracen), Sean Yates (Linda McCartney manager), Monty Young (Condor Cycles), Geoff Wiles (former top roadie now owner of eponymous Kent bike shop), Andy Sutcliffe (former editor of Cycling Weekly, now the boss of Future Publishings London division), Philip Darnton (MD of Raleigh), Bob Chicken Snr (president of the Pedal Club), Ron Webb (track builder), Tony Doyle (former top roadie) and Alan Rushton (Sport for Television).

However, the petition is likely to fall on deaf ears. At best, Channel 4 will be once again placing their TdF coverage all over the late-night schedule. At worst, Liggett and Co may be dropped altogether.