LPR Team Manager Fabio Bordonali is expecting to have a contract finalized with 2007 Giro d'Italia champion Danilo Di Luca this afternoon according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 31 year-old Italian from Abruzzo is likely to sign a one-year contract with an optional year extension with the Professional Continental Team. The former Liquigas rider is currently serving a three-month suspension issued by his country's Olympic Committee (CONI) for involvement in the 2004 Oil for Drugs affair.
"It's true, tomorrow he will sign with us," said Bordonali. Earlier Di Luca had been linked with Saunier Duval.
Team LPR is building for a strong 2008 season with the arrival of Di Luca and after the recent acquisition of two-time Giro winner Paolo Savoldelli. The Giro d'Italia will be the main focus of the Switzerland-registered team. It is expected to also announce the arrival of a secondary sponsor today; bike manufacturer Pinarello, which will provide the team in 2008, has been noted as a possible title sponsor alongside LPR.
Bordonali, the ex-team manager of Professional Continental Team Tenax, acquired the management of Team LPR from Davide Boifava. Even if the team does not have invites to the biggest races because it is a UCI second tier team, it is likely to be the third most important Italian outfit after Liquigas and Lampre-Fondital (Milram will ride with a German or Dutch ProTour license in 2008).
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