DISCOVERY CHANNEL TEAM MANAGEMENT ASK BASSO
TO FOREGO COMPETITION PENDING INVESTIGATION
Team management at Tailwind Sports has requested that Italian rider Ivan Basso not compete pending further information in a new investigation coming out of Italy. The Italian Cycling Federation and Italian Olympic Committee conducted a full review last fall of Bassos implication in the Operacion Puerto affair, occurring prior to the start of the 2006 Tour de France, and found no evidence of any wrongdoing.
Additionally, the Spanish Cycling Federation closed all disciplinary investigations, announcing that all riders implicated were free to compete. Basso was subsequently signed to the Discovery Channel squad after these findings were announced.
Consistent with the Teams stated position on this issue, upon notification of the new investigation opened in Italy, General Manager Bill Stapleton and Sports Director Johan Bruyneel will not allow Basso to race pending further information.
We continue to stand behind Ivan and intend to cooperate with all parties involved until there is closure. It is unfortunate that this is now occurring, however, I have spoke to Ivan and although frustrated he agrees and understands with the decision we have taken, stated Sports Director Johan Bruyneel.
Tailwind Sports management has always maintained a zero tolerance policy in regard to performance enhancing drugs and has never had a rider test positive in more than 10 years of operations.
It has always been Team policy to hold our riders to the highest standards while respecting their rights and privacy. For these reasons we have requested that Ivan not race until we receive more information and this issue has been resolved, stated Team General Manager Bill Stapleton.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------