Make sure not to let the facts get in the way of a good story!
Cofidis is a Top Club, thereby guaranteed a spot in the Tour. Just like they are guaranteed a spot in the Giro and Vuelta and all World Cups if they want to race them. That they are French has nothing to do with it.
Furthermore, a little historical knowledge would reveal that France is probably the country taking the toughest stance on drug use in sports, seeing it not only as a sports-related but as a criminal matter. Quite a contrast with a lot of other countries. Not too many US athletes do jail time after being caught doping, in fact the US and other countries are known to sweep positive tests (which is a step beyond merely being under investigation) under the carpet and send these athletes to the Olympics.
Gerard Vroomen
3T.bike OPEN cycle