Manager would accept Rebellin back, but only after full admission of 2008 positive test
The Androni – Cipi team of Gianni Savio looks set to have an automatic invitation to next year’s Giro d’Italia following its second consecutive winning of the Italian team championship. The squad took thirteen wins this year, amongst them several important victories in Italy, and showed a strong consistency in other events.
Those successes included the Giro d’Italia stage wins by Jose Rujano and Angel Vicioso, Emanuele Sella’s stage win and overall triumph in the Settimana Coppi e Bartali and Jose Serpa’s victory in the Giro del Friuli. It also won Italian track titles in team pursuit and omnium.
General manager Savio spoke of the importance of the Italian title to the team. “We’re proud to have conquered the tricolour shield in the 150th anniversary of the National Unity,” he said. “It’s a success obtained by a solid group united in all its components: riders, managers, technicians, the whole staff. A victory which we dedicate to our sponsors and to all the fans who have followed us with enthusiasm and passion.”
However apart from pride and satisfaction in the success, there is another reason why it is so important for the team. Savio told VeloNation earlier this year that the Italian title is a target because he sees it as a guarantee to get into the Giro d’Italia; he repeated this again in a recent Bianchi interview.
“It’s important to remember that there is an agreement between the Italian federation and the organizers of the Giro, saying that the best Italian team from the year before will get an invitation to the Giro,” he stated.
For years, the Giro d’Italia has long been the main season target of his squad. He is aiming for the same goal next season, and believes that Rujano can continue to build on what he achieved this year.
“He is the leader of the team and the plan for him is to prepare well for the Giro and if possible, to return to podium.”
Savio confirms a possible interest in Davide Rebellin, a rider who competed with his team in 2009 until the news of his positive test at the 2008 Olympic Games came through. However he appears to require a full admission of guilt from Rebellin before that happens, and it seems the Italian is not prepared to do that.
“Davide was one of my riders 3 years ago and I am very sorry for how it turned out for him. It is true I have been talking with him. I tried to present him with the realism of his situation, telling him that no matter what he says then this [the positive test] is the result,” he said. “So I told him to explain his situation to everybody, make a press release to let the Media know what happened. It’s not good the way he did. You can’t just disappear…
“I talked with Davide and I told him that if he, right now, came forward and explained his situation and what exactly had happened, there was a possibility [to sign a contract with Androni]. But as the things are right now, it’s not possible…”