Reigning world champion Alessandro Ballan looked like he was set to shine in 2009 with early season with podium placings at the Giro di Sardegna, but a virus interrupted his build-up to the Spring Classics and seems to have derailed his entire season thus far.
Riding in Lampre colors since 2004, it looks like the Italian is looking for a change in teams for 2010.
“I always felt good at Lampre, but I think our paths will separate,” Ballan said to La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I have received a contract proposal for a one-year extension, but I can not accept it.”
He has had discussions with Rabobank, Sky, Astana, as well as Armstrong’s new RadioShack team. Ballan was very positive about the prospect of riding with the seven-time Tour de France winner saying, “Riding on a team with Armstrong would be fantastic.”
RadioShack could be a good home for the classics specialist, especially if Johan Bruyneel has designs on trying to bring George Hincapie into the fold. Hincapie has long dreamt of a win in Paris-Roubaix, and 2007 Tour of Flanders winner Ballan would be the kind of rider that could help that dream become reality.