in well as a person. In Ivan we have a rider, who can one day win the Tour de France,? adds Riis.

?Right from the start Team CSC has been the perfect team for me. Here I've found the best conditions to evolve both as a rider and as a person. I have a perfect relationship with Bjarne, and he deserves most of the credit for me having achieved, what I have during the last two seasons. The team provides me with the perfect support and here I feel like I'm a part of a family. I'm happy, that this is where I can show my full potential and aim for the big goals,? says Basso.

Finally, this week, our thoughts go out to the members, staff and families of those riders injured in the horrific incident in
Germany involving the Australian Institute of Sport women?s cycling team.  The team was out for a gentle ride, the day before the Thuringen Rundfahrt race in
Germany when they were struck head-on by an out-of control car.  Of the six riders, one, 29-year-old Amy Gillett, was killed, two remain in intensive care and the other three have all suffered from multiple breaks and fractures and have undergone surgery.  Any messages of sympathy sent through the email address below can be passed directly onto the Australian team

Until next week, send your thoughts and opinions to me at ian@roadcycling.com.

Ian