Apr 30, 2007
Basso Leaves Discovery Channel
Photo credit should read DOUG PENSINGER/AFP/Getty Images
Well that did not last long. Ivan Basso announced that he is leaving the Discovery Channel team. Basso asked out of his two year contract in order to avoid being a distraction to the team as they try to find a new sponsor. Basso wants to make it known that this decision was 100% his and not of the team. Basso spoke with
from velonews.com
“Ivan was a great addition to our team and I am very sad to see him go,” Stapleton said in a team release. “He was one of our leaders and we expected big things from him this season.
“However, this team has 15 wins in 2007 and we have great depth and talent on our roster. We will continue to win and be competitive in all of our races, including the Tour De France.
“When we signed Ivan, all the necessary governing authorities had cleared him. He deserved a team and we had always wanted to sign him. We did our due diligence and we have no regrets.”
from cyclingnews.com
“Ivan’s request was unexpected and he was very emotional, but adamant, about his decision to be released. We spoke with him at length before granting his request. Although he was only on our Team for a short time, he was a great leader and a very well respected and selfless teammate. I, along with the entire team, wish him the best,” said Johan Bruyneel.
“Ivan was a great addition to our team and I am very sad to see him go. He was one of our leaders and we expected big things from him this season, however, this team has 15 wins in 2007 and we have great depth and talent on our roster. We will continue to win and be competitive in all of our races, including the Tour de France,” commented General Manager Bill Stapleton. “When we signed Ivan, all the necessary governing authorities had cleared him. He deserved a team and we had always wanted to sign him. We did our due diligence and we have no regrets.”
This news comes just as Operation Puerto is kicking back to life. Spurred on by Jan Ullrich’s positive DNA match with certain bags of blood another 48 cyclist are now being tied to the investigation.
It’s Giro time, so that only means that drug scandal news has to follow. This never ending story of doping in sport is getting tiring. I hope that young cyclist learn from these lessons and stay away from any forms of cheating. Your whole livelihood can go up in smoke just because you are looking for an edge.
Basso’ move to leave Discovery is shocking as it looks like he is getting ready for lots of time in the Italian Courts and not much time on the road. Basso’s Giro title will not be defended and perhaps many other riders will join Basso in the courts and off the roads. My hope is that if he is guilty that he simply admits to doping and tries to move on. It does not look good for Basso at this time and it takes a person who has been through the process of doping to help young cyclist avoid the same pitfalls. To do that you have to love the sport and want to give back.
On another note, perhaps Simoni was right all along last year when he accused Basso of a bribe for a stage win.