Ivan Basso to leave Team CSC

Ivan Basso and Team CSC have mutually decided to part ways according to a press release issued by the Danish team this morning. The Italian rider, who has been embroiled in Operación Puerto, has been allowed to race by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) while the Operación Puerto investigation is ongoing.

"After all that has happened, especially this summer, Team CSC and Ivan Basso have agreed to part ways," said Bjarne Riis in a press release from Team CSC. "It has been a very difficult decision, but both parties agree it is time to move on. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ivan for his time with the team and for the great results he and the team have achieved together. At the same time, we wish him all the best for the future."

The Italian mentioned early this week in an interview with France's L'Equipe that he had been in contact with teams Discovery Channel and Milram.