Team CSC was represented at the first hearing in Italy yesterday, in the person of the Team’s press chief, Brian Nygaard.

“It is a nice gesture from Ivan to allow someone from the team to be present, and it is important for us to keep as well appraised of the case as possible,” Nygaard commented after the two hour hearing. As the hearing is closed to the public, Nygaard is not allowed to talk about what he has heard, but the press chief appeared initially positive with respect to Basso’s statements.

“Ivan was very clear and specific in his statements. He defended himself based on a 35-page report that he and his lawyer have submitted [to CONI, ed.]. I learned a lot, in the sense that I heard explanations in Ivan’s own words. And I got this from the meeting, that Ivan got the opportunity to explain his positions on all of the relevant questions. Now his explanations will be compared to the evidence in the case.”

Nygaard is pleased that the case has finally begun, but notes that the Team has neither had access to Basso’s Defense report nor the accusations from the UCI. Nygaard notes that the team is trying as hard as possible to get access to these documents, so that it can take up a standpoint on the accusations.

“The most important for us is that this must not end in a juridicial mess. Crucial also, is whether Ivan has had anything to do with Fuentes or not. The process in the case is very thorough, so hopefully we will get a true answer to that question now.”

In his statements after the hearing, Basso made clear statements about his innocence. When asked about his future, Basso commented. “All that you will have to ask Bjarne Riis about. I have two years left of my current contract, and I expect to ride them and win lots of races for Team CSC”.

The next hearing will be September 12.