Machado to 'The Shack'?

Portugal’s Tiago Machado (Madeinox-boavista) is close to a deal with Team RadioShack, possibly joining fellow countryman Sergio Paulinho (Astana), while Jose Azevedo will change gears and sit behind the wheel as a Director Sportif.

Machado’s manager, Juan Campos, told Cyclismag that despite negotations nothing has been signed. “There is contact with the team, but we haven’t come to an agreement, for example if he will sign for one or two years. In Mendrisio, where the World Championships will be held, a decision will be made.”

This year Machado was strong in several stage races, placing fourth overall in Volta Ao Algarve and seventh overall in Volta A Portugal where winner Nuno Ribiero and Libert Seguros teammates Isidro Nozal and Hector Guerra tested positive for EPO-CERA.