Miguel Martinez meldet sich im Mountainbike-Weltcup zurück. Vor dem Auftaktrennen in Südafrika wurde der Franzose von seinem Team entlassen weil er von einem Gericht wegen körperlicher Gewalt zu vier Monaten bedingter Gefängnisstrafe verurteilt wurde. In einer Pressemitteilung widerspricht Martinez diesem Sachverhalt und will mit sportlichen Leistungen im Weltcup wieder in positiver Form auf sich aufmerksam machen.


Pressemitteilung: Miguel Martinez's defense

Miguel Martinez defends himself against Team Felt for abusive dismissal because he ist totally innocent. The athlete refuses the arguments put forward by team Felt: he was said to have been dismissed for a problem of public image (prison), which ist NOT TRUE. The athlete was only retained by the tribunal in order to be heard in relations with a family problem but he was released immediately. His reputation was ruined in fortyeight hours after 14 years of an exempary career at the highest level.

Miguel Martinez is in Houffalize to confirm his innocence and look for a team to continue the brillant performance he registered at the beginning of the season (3rd place during the Cup of Italy, just behind Julien Absalon, and 4th during Cup of France).

In Houffalize, the Olympic Champion of Sidney will race as an individual on Sunday 3rd. The Felt Comapny has presented official apologies to the French racer and would like him to return to the team.

Miguel Martinez will think about this proposal for a few days and will give his answer before the next World Cup in Madrid.