Its getting closer...L'Equipe (in its December 19 edition) seems certain that Indurain will sign for ONCE as the Spanish newspapers. According to the French paper the annual salary will be 48 million French francs (just over US$9 million), to be funded partly by ONCE, partly by Spanish TV channel TVE and partly by a multinational -- it suggests Shimano as a likely company -- whose logo will appear on the jersey in place of Look and Macario.The TVE funding is dependent on Indurain riding the Spanish races -- including the Vuelta a Espana -- televised by the station. L'Equipe reckons Indurain already has the ONCE training book in his pocket. His wife Marisa says for the first time in his career he did gym work while on their recent Caribbean holiday. Indurain is also said to be training harder than ever for the time of year. L'Equipe speaks of a five hour session on December 17 with four cols, finishing on the col de Roncevaux. Another first -- Indurain is now using a heart monitor. The usual provisos about the reliability of press reports... Armstrong given the all clearLance Armstrong has been given the all clear to commence racing again in 1997 after completing his final round of chemotherapy in Indianapolis.Doctors reviewed Armstrong's CT-Scan performed on December 16, and told him to go home and enjoy the holidays. All signs indicate that Armstrong's treatment has been successful. However, it is too early to say the cancer is in remission. Armstrong has taken out his racing license for 1997. |