gmason

It appears as though Botero will remain with Kelme next season because of the enforcement of, and his lack of desire to pay, the contract buyout. They have nothing but good to say about him (and him them, for that matter), but it remains to be seen how that works out. All the best to him.

And Zulle will most likely stay at Coast, because the roster deadline approaches, and lack of a second major sponsor at CSC is holding Ullrich from signing, therefore preventing Zulle's signing as support for Jan as well.

And what happens if the 15th rolls around and still no sponsor at CSC? What will Ullrich do?

Cheers...Gary

roadwarrior

I find is somewhat amusing that Riis is struggling to find someone to bankroll Ullrich, and USPS goes out and signs Berry Floor as a second presenting sponsor...last piece on the page...
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/?id=...v02/nov06news2

and for the transfers, here is the up to date list as of 11-8

www.cyclingnews.com/road/?id=2002/transfers02

interesting stuff...

roadbuzz

What will Telekom do?

gmason

The Ullrich at Telekom issue is long over, and I think they are smart enough to have thought of something. I guess we will see next season.

BTW, Tom Boonen is another (if you want to include him as a big name). He appears not to be at all successful at his efforts to leave USPS. But this one may be more messy than the Botero/Kelme situation, given his attitude about it.

Cheers...Gary

Lance Armstrong

No one wants Jan, he's a loser.

Jan Ullrich

I had to move because the steroids Telekom kept giving me stuffed my knee and made me look fat.

gmason

In yet another twist, Botero has rejected a new offer from Kelme, and it looks like Telekom will get him after all. Of course that has made the team management dig in their heels, and they are insisting on the buyout payment. Oh what tangled webs we weave.

Cheers...Gary

gmason

And ... I now see a report, dated today, that Alex Zulle has decided to retire (rather than stay with Coast one more year).

Cheers...Gary

lotek 

I just read that Zulle is NOT retiring, he is going to stay
with Coast and the retirement thing was a "misprint" or
somesuch nonsense in the press.
Kelme (according to V. Belda) is going to allow Botero
to leave (provided he pays buyout) to go to Telkom.

Lots of riders wanting to break contracts this season
and not just transfer when contact is up
(i.e. Boonen) or is this just my perception?

Marty