Selle Italia rumours quashed

By Anthony Tan in Kuala Lumpur

Responding to rumours speculating that the primary naming rights sponsor of Italian-registered Pro Continental Team Selle Italia Diquigiovanni is pulling out, team manager Gianni Savio has denied anything of the sort.

"No... we have a contract through to 2007," replied Savio to Cyclingnews when asked if there was any truth behind the rumours. I have signed the contract one month ago, at the beginning of January."

In fact, 2006 marks the twenty-second consecutive year of sponsorship by the Italian saddle manufacturer after Selle Italia began investing in the team way back in 1985. Savio also added he has already been in discussions with their other major co-sponsor, Diquigiovanni, and is optimistic about the company's continued involvement in the team beyond their current contract period, which expires at the end of this year.