BiciRace.com :: News :: October 2006

News :: October 2006

4 October 2006

Riis Welcomes Basso Back to CSC

Riis before Le Tour '06, photo: Makoto.Ayano/ CyclingTime.com

In spite of recent reports in the news that Bjarne Riis would be severing ties with his star pupil, Ivan Basso, the Dane has said that he now welcomes Basso back to CSC.

In a recent conversation with Cyclingnews.com Riis confirmed that he had changed his stance with regard to Basso’s alleged involvement in Operación Puerto.

“I am in regular contact with Basso. He is part of our team and has a contract with us for two seasons. We hope he gets out of this whole ordeal clean, and the door is still open,” said Riis.

Mayo Negotiates with Euskaltel Euskadi

Mayo at the 2006 Vuelta, photo: © Unipublic

Euskaltel Euskadi management recently offered a contract extension to Basque star, Iban Mayo, to which he counter offered. Admittedly, Mayo realizes that his market value has plummeted somewhat since his stellar 2003 season.

“During the Vuelta I spoke with the team, they made me an offer and told me to respond. Yesterday I called Miguel (Madariaga), I made him a counteroffer and now I am waiting to see what they say”, confirmed Mayo. Mayo went on to say that, “I can’t ask for what I was earning before because I don’t have the results to back it up.”

In spited of his lackluster past few seasons, Mayo has been linked to several other Pro Tour teams, notably Gerolsteiner, Cofidis and Saunier Duval.

If he is to stay with the orange squad Mayo will most likely look to changed things around in his race calendar to help him find the form he’s so desperately seeking. “A change in my race calendar would be good for me, but first let’s see if they agree to the counteroffer. Then, I’ll think about my race calendar and other things,” said Mayo.

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