Peloton lost in France after pranksters remove signposts

Link : http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040924/323/f3a7n.html



SAINT-AMAND-MONTROND, France (AFP) - Riders in the Paris-Correze cycling race went missing in central France after a prankster removed the signposts, local organisers said.

The signposts went missing after the first breakaway group had passed by some 30km from the finish line in the village of Saint-Amand-Montrond.

Local police had to search the roads of the Cher region after contact was lost with 80 cyclists who were some ten minutes behind the leading breakaway group during the first stage of the race.

"It annoys me, but that is part of the shocking things about riding," said race organiser Max Mamers.

"We can't be expected to have a gendarme at every crossroad."

The group crossed the finish line some 48min 20sec behind the winner - Estonian Jaan Kirsipuu - after having added an extra 14km to their journey.

Organisers calculated the difference and put the official time of the unfortunate bunch at 16min 54sec off the pace.