I blogged about Laurent Fignon and his book on Monday hoping that he’d be with the Paris-Nice race. He’s been part of the race since he first rode it in 1982, later winning a stage in 1987. On retirement he took over the race organisation from Corrine Leulliot. He sold the race onto ASO – he still runs Paris-Corrèze – and more recently he’s been a knowledgeable and amusing TV commentator with Eurosport and now France Télévisions covering Paris-Nice as well as many other races.
Only Fignon isn’t at the race this year, Laurent Jalabert is taking his place. He was diagnosed with cancer last summer and according to Danish website Feltet he’s not up to commentating on the race because of the chemotherapy and he’ll miss this race and probably the upcoming classics too.
I wish Fignon all the best. He was an exciting rider and has proved to be a great TV analyst, here’s hoping he’s back in the commentary box soon.