January 26, 2007 РFran̤ois Parisien, who rides with the Colorado-based Team Slipstream powered by Chipotle (formerly TIAA-CREF), is suffering from persistent tendonitis in his left knee, according to a report on Veloptimum. The team has been doing training rides in California since mid January, but Parisien has been unable to ride for about 2-1/2 weeks and is treating the inflammation with ice. He will not be going to ride in Europe anytime soon, but is hoping to race at the Amgen Tour of California this February 18-25.

“For now, I’m waiting, and that’s all I can do,” said Parisien as he watches his team mates leave on their rides each day. The Slipstream training camp continues through February 4. “I’m going to have to take things easy (before riding strenuously) and wait until I’m 100%,” continued the 2005 Canadian road champ, indicating that he now has the (doctor’s ) authorization to ride for 30 minutes daily, beginning tomorrow.

Parisien also spoke about Slipstream’s “colossal” $500,000 anti-doping program which means that team riders are now subjected to many tests which serve as reference points for tests later in the season.