McEwen, Pantani, Magnusson
*Reports which claim that sprinter Robbie McEwen has already signed with TVM-Farm
Frites are a little premature, as the Australian hasn't yet signed any contract,
but is close to reaching agreement. One rider who is said to be joining TVM-Farm
Frites is Sweden's Glen Magnusson, 30, currently with US Postal.
*Further to the report in cyclingnews last week which stated that Marco Pantani would not be riding the World Championship road race and his 1999 season is over due a recurring knee problem, the Italian rider has issued a statement confirming that he won't be re-appearing until the next century.
*Pascal Richard first planned to stop his carreer after this season, but has renewed his contract with Mobilvetta for another season, primarily so he can defend his Olympic title in Sydney.
Navigare becomes Panaria Gaerne; Axelsson leader
Italian team Navigare Gaerne will carry the name Panaria Gaerne next year and Nicklas Axelsson will be the team captain in the Giro d'Italia where he took a sensational sixth place this year.
Axelsson reached an agreement with Banesto some weeks ago, but Gaerne's manager Bruno Reverbi would not release him from the contract that had an option clause for next year. Reverbi has already signed sponsors for next year and Axelsson is the main attraction in this second division team where the ceramics company Panaria will be the new main sponsor while this year's sponsor Navigare will be engaged in a minor role. Axelssons new contract is for one year without options. It's not signed yet but the salary will be doubled, it would have been tripled with Banesto.
"I hope someone wants me after next season. I'm split about this situation. I've would have been a domestique in a bigger team but in more interesting races like the Tour and the Vuelta. On the other hand I will be the captain in the Giro," Axelsson told reporter Gunnar Bäcke from his hometown newspaper Mora Tidning.
This season Navigare Gaerne has had only twelve riders and there will be the same number next year but with several new riders. According to Axelsson two Australians, one Beloyrussian and a Mexican rider are on their way to the team.