October 18, 2006 – According to a release from the Danish team, CSC, Ivan Basso will be leaving Bjarne Riis’s squad. Basso, who has been mentioned several times in the ongoing drug scandal, Operación Puerto, was given permission by the Italian Olympic Committee to race until the investigation is concluded.

In the CSC release, Riis was quote as saying that it was a difficult decision, but it was mutual. Riis added that we “wish him all the best for the future.”

Already this week there have been rumours abound that the 2006 Giro d’Italia winner may ride with Lance Armstrong’s Discovery team, or on Milram.