Tour de France

[langostino]

Ivan Basso bids farewell

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2007/may07/may01news

Get out the hip waders, the b.s. is flowing high and deep here. Basso begs Dopescovery to let him forego the millions he'd make under his contract, saying it was 100% his idea, because hey, he's an honorable kinda guy. Bruyneel says it's all a big surprise to him.

Funny, there's nothing in the report about the real deal that was struck -- Bruyneel telling Basso his choice was to get fired ignominiously and have Dopescovery enforce the contract provision that requires Ivan to pay back all the salary he's earned to date if/when CONI finally busts him, or to issue a nice statement covering Dopescovery's collective rear ends, in exchange for which Dopescovery will execute a waiver of Ivan's contract that lets him keep what he's been paid to date, plus perhaps a few parting gifts.


"This was a very difficult decision, for me and my family, but I think it is the right thing to do. Johan, Bill, and my teammates have always believed in me and shown me great respect. This decision is my way of showing them that same respect," stated Basso according to the press release. "The team is trying to find a new sponsor and win bike races, and my situation is a distraction to both of those goals. It is important that everyone knows this was 100% my decision. Nobody asked me to leave. I am grateful to all of the staff and riders and wish them the best of luck."

"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.