Simoni and his Saeco team had originally been invited to compete in the Tour.

BBC: Gilberto Simoni

This year they benefited from keeping quiet after a failed application, and Saeco's loss was their gain.

BBC: Jean Delatour

Meanwhile, defending champion Gilberto Simoni, who tested positive for cocaine metabolites in April, was withdrawn from the race by his Saeco team.

BBC: Lunghi grabs Giro win

Marco Pantani, who previously used banned drugs, was excluded, as was the Saeco team, whose leader is Laurent Dufaux, the former Festina rider.

BBC: Battle against drug peddlers continues

Gilberto Simoni, rated by four-times winner Lance Armstrong as his biggest challenger, will ride in the Tour after Leblanc confirmed his Saeco-Longoni team as a starter.

BBC: Italian cyclist Mario Cipollini

Here, the espresso makers to consider are the Rancilio Silvia, the Gaggia Classic or the Saeco Aroma SS, warhorses in the battle for serious crema and foam.

FORBES: Magazine Article