Edmonton Journal from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada • 42

ItO'f 'W I D4 T7w Edmonton Journal, Friday, July 31, 1098 Two more teams leave Tour de France i -v I Mike English Airtime enormity of stopping the race in protest for the first time since its debut in 1903. "We were all afra id to give up after 20 days of racing," said Marco Pantani, the overall race leader. "I've made sacrifices to get the yellow Jersey" Fans lining the route through eastern France made their sentiments clear. Free Festina! one banner said. Swiss organizing official Jean Cava-dini promised the riders a peaceful, raid-free night in Neuchatel.

But he added: "I fear the celebration has been spoiled, ever since the first week." Swiss fans, though, were deter-: mined not to let that happen. Jeannette. Etamba, 28, brought her four-month- old son to drink in the scene at the finish line. "Doping is deceitful, but the scandal hasn't destroyed the atmosphere for us," she said minutes before the exhausted riders crossed the finish: lina "We're going to cheer the riders." and Vltalclo. angrily quit the field, Joining the other three Spanish teams, who quit Wednesday.

A sixth team, Fes-Una, was thrown out on July 17 after police found materials in a team masseur's car sparking the current scandal. Of the 21 teams that started this year's Tour, only 15 remain. The remaining riders were trying to put the scandal behind them, and think ahead to Sunday's finale on the ChampsElysces. "I'm just trying to get to Paris in one piece," Frankie Andreu of the U.S. Postal Service team said.

"It's been hard, mentally" Wednesday's 17th stage was one of the most chaotic in the Tour's history After stopping twice, the pack coasted slowly to the finish line, and the stage results were cancelled. Riders threatened to give up entirely, but by Thursday, they seemed to realize the would go on. Many riders, angered at the growing investigation, had threatened to pull out entirely But in the end, 103 of them left the French Alpine town of Alx les-Balns for a 218-kilometre ride through stunning countryside toNcuchatel. Shortly before midnight Wednesday, police in Chambery, France, near Aix-les-Bains, detained rider Rodolfo Massi of the Casino team. They found banned drugs in his room, said prosecutors in Lille, where the probe is centered.

They also found drugs in a truck belonging to the Spanish ONCE team one of five that had dropped out of the race in protest, the prosecutors said. Its doctor, Nicolas Terrados, was detained. And after a night in detention, Marc Madiot, director of the French team Francaise des Jeux, was released. Earlier, two Spanish teams, Kelme JOCELYN NOVECK TlIK ASSW'IATKO PRKSS Ncuchatol, Switzerland After one of the most turbulent days in its history, the Tour de France lost two more teams Thursday in its growing drug scandal. Amid the bucolic surroundings of Switzerland, the athletes couldn't escape the news that the teams withdrew to protest police behaviour.

Also, investigators for the first time prevented a cyclist from competing alter finding drugs in his possession. When the 18th stage was over, Tom Steels of Belgium had won, but the overall standings remained the same. Italy's Marco Pantani retained the yellow Jersey, Bobby Julich of the United States was second and last year's winner, Jan Ullrich of Germany, was third. Before Thursday's start, there was uncertainty as to whether the race 9 7 iwwms vs. IMHJ SKUROOSs sioxom irt Or check out the wildlife on shore during a wilderness hike.

And for those with an interest in western culture, absorb the native art and traditions Our waters are open for fishing. British Columbia has a long, storied history of being a world-class sport fishing vacation destination. And this year, the tradition continues. Each and every member of British Columbia's sport fishing community, from our guides, to our seaplane pilots, to our fishing lodges, to our tackle shops, would like to extend a personal Happy return for Principe "We're still trying to rip Mom off the roof," says Gene Principe. And why did Mama Principe go through the ceiling last week? Because she learned her son, Eugene, is coming home as A-Channel's new sports anchor.

The Austin O'Brien grad Is giving up a high-profile anchor spot with Global in Toronto to return to his roots. Principe said it was a tough decision but, "the opportunity to be involved in the Oiler broadcasts was too inviting to pass up." Principe will host the Oiler broadcasts on A-Channel, as well as anchor its supper-hour sports show. Growing up idolizing the Oilers, Principe admits his new role will be a real test of his objectivity Principe was co-hosting a half-hour sports show in Toronto, Sportsline, similar to ITVs Sportsnight. And speaking of Sportsnight, Principe will have a chance to get reacquainted with his former roomie and co-anchor from his days at CKND in Winnipeg, Daren Millard. According to Principe, it's not often in his line of work you can make a move that benefits both your career and your personal life.

Usually one has to be sacrificed for the other. But in this case, Principe feels he has the best of both worlds: a plum position at A-Channel and a chance to work in his native Edmonton. 'And with my wife hailing from Winnipeg, it's a chance for her to be closer to home as well." Principe's last day in Toronto will be Aug. 4. He'll make his A-Channel debut Aug.

7. By then the rest of the Principe clan should have Mom off the roof. Tillman feeling his way Ask him to draw up plays, evaluate talent, explain the business side of football and he'll give it to you ad museum. But Eric Tillman is the first to tell you he feels like a raw rookie in the television game, stumbling his way through training camp. But that's not to say Tillman isn't enjoying his latest gig as part of the TSN CFL broadcasts.

In fact, the former Argo GM suggests it's just the opposite. Tillman turned down a job with the B.C. Lions for the TSN opportunity and admits it's a dramatic departure from his usual way of life. "The one thing that's new to me this year is the chance to talk to seven of the CFL head coaches on a regular basis, discussing strategies they've deployed and what the thought process was in using them. Previously, as a CFL GM, that really wasn't possible." Hold on a minute Eric aren't there eight CFL head coaches? "You're absolutely right," says Tillman with an all-knowing grin on his face.

The initials of the eighth coach wouldn't happen to be Don Matthews, would they? For Tillman, there's two major adjustments to make. First is getting used to speaking to the viewers at home, while at the same time a producer is delivering instruc-tionsinhisear. No. 2 is evaluating players. "To raise questions about players and criticize them is awfully difficult at times.

In some cases, they could be players I know personally or have recruited and brought to the CFL." But in order to maintain credibility in the eyes of the viewer, Tillman has had to fire off some verbal bullets. And he has yet to hear any negative feedback from the intended targets. Sound Bites IT continues its hunt for a sports reporter. According to news director Tim Spelliscy, the short list has been pared to two In the meantime, TSN is in the midst of a cross-country search for a playing partner for Darren Dutchyshen. Dutchy's current co-anchor on the 9 p.m.

Sportsdesk show, Mike Toth, is done after tonight Looking to buy your own sports channel? Headline Sports could be yours. The CRTC has nixed Shaw's recent purchase of Headline, so the wall-to-wall highlight channel is back on the block. Pete Rose Jr. cut by Sounds The Associated Press Nashville, Tenn. Pete Rose the son of baseball's career hits leader, was released Thursday by the Triple-A Nashville Sounds.

Mired in a 3-for-24 slump, Rose was hitting just .208 since joining the Pirates' farm club June 26 following his release by the Cincinnati Reds after they demoted him from Triple-A Indianapolis to Double-A Chattanooga. Rose Jr. hit 25 homers in Double-A last season and earned a September calluptotheReds. He hit .277 in 130 at-bats with Indianapolis this season, but was not getting much playing time behind Aaron Boone at third base invitation to you'll find among the communities located along our coastline. We'll make you feel right at home.

Your super, natural fishing vacation will be made super memorable by the friendly people you encounter throughout your stay. British Columbians are known for their special brand of homegrown hospitality, and have a reputation for making guests from around the world feel truly welcome. you and your family to join us this summer for the experience of a lifetime. Contrary And when you think people spend thousands of dollars to travel here from around the world, it makes you realize just what great value you can get by simply staying right here in Canada. to what you may have heard, our waters are very much open for recreational fishing, and the fishing is great.

ft rat. -SSSS NOW THAT YOU'RE HOOKED, IT TIME TO BOOK. Discover why there truly are few thrills greater than landing a Pacific salmon or halibut in one of nature's most scenic destinations. Keeping tomorow in mind while fishing today. To provide an outstanding range of sport fishing opportunities now and in the future, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has set the following catch and keep limits for 1998: However, as the chart indicates, there are a variety of other fantastic sport fish that you can catch, take home and throw on your barbecue.

If you're wondering about obtaining a fishing licence, it's easy to do. Tidal water licences are available at most tackle shops, marinas and charterlodge operations. Fishing is just the beginning of your recreational fun. While experiencing the magnificent fishing in British Columbia, you can also take part in many other marine activities and great outdoor adventures. Catch a rare look at some of the ocean's most intriguing creatures during a whale watching trip.

Check the skies for a majestic eagle soaring overhead. Or watch playful sea lions and porpoises go about their daily business. Take a pleasure cruise and soak in the coastal scenery. Enjoy the solitude of a sea kayaking expedition. Go on an old-fashioned clam dig.

We're quite sure you'll agree that it's time to stop reading and start fishing. To make your BC fishing holiday a reality, call Super, Natural British Columbia at SPECIES I 1998L'MITS per day possession Salmon ad species combined 4 8 Chinook 2 4 Sockeye 4 8 Pink 4 8 Chum 4 8 Halibut 2 3 1-800-663-6000 and let us help you plan your sport fishing vacation. No matter what your budget may be, we can assist you with bookings and information on accommodations, fishing packages, and other related services. If you have internet access, visit our web site at www.sportfishing.bc.ca right now. The fish are ready and waiting to welcome you in British Columbia.

And so are we. So hang the 'gone fishing' sign in your window, and well see you soon. Minimum sze limitations apply jor all species. To ensure there are plenty of fish for future generations, there will be a restriction on fishing coho during the 1998 season. SPORT FISHING INSTITUTE of British Columbia Canada It's your country.

Rediscover it. SUPER, NATURAL SRITISH COLUMBIA- Fisheries and Oceans Peches et Oceans Canada Canada What in the tan? Your HOROSCOPE "Journal Subtcrfbttodf 498-6800.