Long story. Couple of years back Simeoni and Armstrong were both clients of Italian dr. Ferrari. He got caught 4 prescripting drugs 2 some riders. In the courtcase Simeoni testified against Ferrari. And Armstrong supported Ferrari. Armstrong was pissed that Simeoni testified against Ferrari. So when Simeoni attacked in a Tour de France stage last year Armstrong followed him. Simeoni rode 2 the leaders of the stage. They both joined them. The result was that T-mobile started to take them back. So the leaders asked Armstrong 2 wait for the peloton. Otherwise they wouldn't get the chance 2 win the stage. Armstrong refused. He said he was only gonna wait 4 the peloton if Simeoni would do the same. Simeoni had no choice. Otherwise the other riders would be pissed at him 2.
Both times: during the ride 2 the front and while waiting Armstrong kept on calling Simeoni names.
You gotta understand that Simeoni isn't a rider who wins many races. So this was a big oppertunity 4 him. Would have been the greatest victory of his cariere. Armstrong took that chance because he didn't like what Simeoni said in a courtcase.
That ain't all. In the last stage 2 Paris Simeoni attacked again. Armstrong let his team ride to get him back. So they did and Yekimov started yelling at Simeoni when he fell back into the peloton. Scandalouz, he took away another chance.
The worst thing is, Armstrong talked Domina-captain Cipolinni into sending Simeoni home. Simeoni refused. Just a couple riders in the peloton got the guts to disagree with Armstrong. One of them is Paolo Bettini. Probz 4 him.
It could turn into a courtcase against Armstrong and Cipolinni for Sport-fraud. But the Italian legalsystem is hard 2 understand, so it aint clear at all. It's said when Armstrong crosses Italian border he can be arrested, but if that's true? I ain't sure about that.
