Liquigas seems to be irritated by the way several media reported about the case.
In a statement of Di Luca's Liquigas squad, the team said: "It seems that some members of the press have focussed exclusively on facts that appeared to support the theory that Di Luca was somehow involved. However they failed to dedicate the same amount of coverage to the defence’s arguments, the same arguments that first prompted the public prosecution to request a dismissal and then led the examining judge to order an effective dismissal of the case."

The same dossier will now be evaluated by CONI’s anti-doping committee: Di Luca’s hearing is scheduled for next Saturday. "I have always maintained that the case would be dismissed, " reiterated Di Luca. "So I can’t really say that I’m surprised, nevertheless I’m still very relieved. The next important step now awaits me: a meeting with CONI’s anti-doping prosecutor, Ettore Torri. The judgement of the sports judicial system is just as important to me as that of the courts. I know that many young people look up to me as a role model, especially after my win at the Giro. This is another reason why I don’t want, and can’t allow, my credibility to be questioned. I’ll be facing Saturday’s hearing without any contention, as some have mistakenly speculated; on the contrary, I’ll attend the meeting with a positive frame of mind in the certainty that I can prove my innocence as I have done in the courts."

Tour de France: Freire close to first win for Rabobank

After Wednesday's attack of Juan Antonio Flecha, the Rabobank team was very active again on Thursday's fifth stage of this years Tour de France. Oscar Freire came in second yesterday. Freire told reporters on Thursday evening: "I was feeling pretty well today," said Rabobank-rider Oscar Freire shortly after the sprint, "but, unfortunately, Pozzato as well." The Rabobank squad had done everything it could before the sprint in order to 'eliminate' as many competitors for the Spaniard as possible. "But that was done not only to increase Oscar's chances, but also to protect Menchov's position in the front ranks," explained Rabobank Sports Director Erik Breukink. "I cannot be happy about the fact that Vinokourov lost time, because the way it happened had nothing to do with the race. But that is the way it goes. And, with regard to Freire's second place, there was again an incredibly small difference between winning and losing."

Freire is still suffering from the injury to his buttocks. According to Rabobank Sports Director Breukink, Freire had considered abandoning the race on Wednesday. "The first seventy kilometers of the stage were very tough," Freire confirmed. "The slow-progressing stage to Compiègne worsened the injury. He experienced a difficult stage yesterday, but is already feeling better now, even though it is still not perfect. It is great that, in spite all this, he was still able to compete so well in the sprint," said Breukink. "My shape is improving, but my injury is not," reflected Freire on his physical condition.

Michael Boogerd indicated that in fact everything in his team went smoothly. "We tried; it is a shame Oscar finished just in second place. It does not matter whether you come close; it is about winning. A sprint is still somewhat of a lottery." The  Dutch veteran led the pack for about a kilometer and a half on the final climb, after which Rasmussen took over these duties for a while. "We received the signal that we were allowed to ride so that is what we did," Boogerd said.

The descent of the La Croix de la Liberation was dangerous, because many cyclists attempted to break away and because team Liquigas, Lampre and the Rabobank team all tried to put their trump card in the best possible position. "It went full speed downhill. That is dangerous, but you simply got to do everything you can to keep up with the pace," said Boogerd. "It was up and downhill all day long, so it was tough. Additionally, we often had to ride on narrow roads with a high pace. All in all, it was a difficult stage," said the two-time stage winner, who is plagued by a cold. "I am probably going to have to take antibiotics."

Boogerd, but also Thomas Dekker, had indicated at the team presentation that they would need the first couple of days to get in the required shape. According to Breukink, the duo is doing good. "During the tougher parts of the stage, they were positioned in the front ranks at exactly the right time. That means you are doing well. They can be satisfied with themselves." Bram de Groot was the other rider who got a compliment from his boss. "He has done a lot of work. Fortunately, he received a lot of help, so the lead of the four escapees was quickly reduced."The pursuit was initiated by team Liquigas and the Rabobank team.

"The underlying thought was clear. Both their plans as well as ours worked out well. If we had started later on, we might not have been able to capture the four – at least not Gilbert and Chavanel," Breukink said, who saw Michael Rasmussen earn his first points for the best-climber classification. "Without giving a lot of effort. If you can get the points like he could in that situation, you should not pass on the opportunity."