Its not clear at all what is going on. But as a result of one of the
rulings by the Operation Puetro Judges all in implcated riders are
free to race until the case is decided. Therefore in thoery but Basso
and Ulrich are free to ride. Ulrich has on licence at present, though
he is trying to get one from the Austrians. This is not an issue for
Basso.

There had been talk of Basso signing for the non pro tour Barloworld
and getting into the Giro via a Wild card. But looks like Discovery
have stepped in.

Now this begs 3questions
1) Will Basso be able to ride the tour. Well the noises being made by
the TDF organises suggest that no team is guarenteed a place. It is
possible that Basso's place in the Disco squad could mess things up
given that there is no real love between Discovery and the organisers
of the Tour.
2) Riis clearly felt he had no choice but to give Basso the bullet.
To push such a talent out of the door must have required so pretty
serious evidence. If Basso is vfound guilty this will be a disaster
now for discovery. Seems a huge gamble.
3) Given 1&2 why does Basson not allow a DNA test to prove his
innocence beyond doubt. Whatever the moral agruements if he is
innocent it would save him and us a lot of pain.

There are a couple of links below worth checking out for upto date
news.

http://www.eurosport.com/cycling

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/

Cheers
racingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "SueW" <gswidemark@...> wrote:
>
> Well, what's the story? Did they get suspensions - Basso, Ulhrich
etc or are they free to do the TdF?
>
> Lance ADMITTED to doing EPO in 1999 to build up his muscles from
cancer in his book so what's new? I guess even under doctor's
prescription that's forbidden?
>
> I feel like I'm getting half stories here because there has been
pretty much of a press silence on all of this in the USA.
>
> Anyone want to fill me in?
>
> Sue
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>