Good news in the Riis camp this Monday - Saxo Bank has confirmed that they will remain with Riis Cycling whether Contador is suspended or acquitted. Bjarne Riis, the manager of the 2011 SunGard/Saxo Bank team can breathe a sigh of relief - even if his superstar centerpiece meets a disappointing demise before he ever has a chance to clad himself in next season's kit - his team will remain financially sound.
"I am truly happy and grateful to know that Saxo Bank sees the value in continuing their support of our team even before the adjudication and their decision to come through only underlines their integrity," said Bjarne Riis in a team press release.
There has been no evidence to suggest that any of the team's other main sponsors, including new title sponsor, SunGard, will back out either, thus ensuring that Riis's project will continue. Contador would be an irreplaceable loss, but the new dynamics that would open within the team could make for an entertaining adventure in 2010. It would be a team without a major favorite in any race, which would open the door wide for every rider on the team to step into the limelight left behind by the stalwarts that will leave at the end of this season as well as Contador.
"The big mutual respect between us is a result of the strong and loyal partnership we have developed throughout the last couple of years."
The verdict in the Contador case should come at any moment, and like the rest of the cycling community, Riis is resigned to wait and hope for the best. It's all he, his sponsors, his team, and Contador can do.
"Obviously, I am proud of the confidence that Saxo Bank, SunGard, and Specialized have in me and the team. Of course, we hope that Alberto is acquitted and can ride as planned in 2011, but for now, we hold our nerve and await what will happen."