Following up on yesterday’s posting here, now it is official that Ivan and CSC are ending his contract - leaving Ivan to choose his team for 2007. Was sounding like his choice would be between Discovery Channel and Milram. In terms of having the best staff support, team support and equipment, as well as directeurs sportif and best people to handle the media frenzies, I think DC is the obvious choice.

However, Milram would have put Ivan on a home team, and might have provided a lot more opportunities for Ivan to be with his family. But the latest is that now Milram says their roster for 2007 is full, and they are no longer talking contract with Ivan. It’s looking like Ivan’s wise choice will be Discovery, and he may be meeting with Johan very soon.... Go Ivan!

And, I hear that the Spanish Cycling Federation is going to close all disciplinary proceedings against riders involved in Operation Open Mouth for lack of evidence, exonerating Ivan and the others. Recall the investigating judge’s statement last week saying that no evidence collected by the Guardia Civil can be used by sporting federations to impose sanctions. The investigation of Eufemiano Fuentes continues, though, and we’ll see if any real evidence surfaces... However, Patrick McQuaid, UCI prez, seems to still want to go after all the named riders...

I’m hoping to see Ivan at Discovery training camp. Wonder if he will talk tattoo (Go Ivan) with me again.... Would be cool to be cheering for Ivan in a Discovery kit at the 2007 Tour....