Yesterday it was made official that Ivan Basso and Team CSC will part ways after the two parties reached a mutual agreement to terminate Basso's contract prematurely. This followed this summer's events, when the Italian was associated with the Operación Puerto investigation and was he pulled out of competing in the Tour de France, his major objective of the year.
Despite Basso being told by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) that he would be allowed to re-commence racing due to legal issues over Operación Puerto, the Italian is now on the look-out for a new team.
Basso, in an official statement regarding his contract's termination, said, "Thanks to Bjarne Riis for the trust that he has given. Best wishes and good luck to all of them."
The 2006 Giro d'Italia winner has continued training since his last race, the final day of the Italian grand tour, on May 28. "At this point I have not signed a new contract," said Basso to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I have been training with the bike in which I won the Giro."
The 28 year-old has allegedly been in contact with ProTour teams Discovery Channel and Milram, but neither team will confirm that a contract has been offered.
"I am also able to join with a non-ProTour project, with fixed technical and economic guarantees," continued Basso, who has considered Barloworld, directed by Claudio Corti.
Although there is the risk is that a non-ProTour team is at the mercy of the Grand Tour organizers to be offered a wild card selection, Basso said, "The setup is interesting because in three years Barloworld could become strong like CSC."
In the past, Discovery Channel is said to have expressed interest in hiring the Italian, but the Italian chose to renew with Riis' CSC.
Bruyneel is currently in the east for the Japan Cup and is yet to comment on the speculation that the Italian is now free to join the American team.
"When I return, I would like to already have everything in order," continued Basso. "I would be happy to leave for vacation knowing my new team jersey."
