Anyone who reads this blog likely reads Cyclingnews and Velonews and has already heard that Basso left Team Discovery.
“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,” Basso said in a team statement. “The team is trying to find a new sponsor and win bike races, and my situation is a distraction to both of those goals.
I’m sure Levi is quietly happy that the focus for the Tour is back on him instead of a Basso/Leipheimer contest. Discovery needs a defined leader during the tour in order for them to take a podium and I’m glad at the results of Basso’s decision. More likely, he was dissuaded from staying on the team by higher ups and the message stands that the managers won’t tolerate a team rife with this type of drama following it’s strongest riders.
I wish Ivan all the luck and that his career won’t follow Ulrich’s. Maybe taking the road David Millar followed by accepting a suspension would be the answer. I’m alluding to Basso being guilty of his involvement in Operation Puerto; but I just don’t have a qualified opinion. Whether the involvement is due to his decisions or someone else’s, it’s too bad that he has to go through this at all.
