Kelme vs. U.S. Postal: Both claim Heras
Officials with Team Kelme have complained to the UCI that the U.S. Postal Service had recruited Roberto Heras, but hadn't honored the Spanish rider's termination clause. That clause's deadline -- essentially a contract buy-out, with $1 million (U.S.) paid to Kelme -- passed on January 25, and Kelme considers Heras part of its team. Kelme management claims that Heras remains under contract because his transfer clause remained unpaid as of the January 25 deadline. According to Joan Mas, Kelme's team manager, representatives for the U.S. Postal Service called at 8 p.m. on the 25th,
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By VeloNews Interactive Wires ServicesCopyright AFP 2000
Photo: Graham Watson
Officials with Team Kelme have complained to the UCI that the U.S. Postal Service had recruited Roberto Heras, but hadn’t honored the Spanish rider’s termination clause. That clause’s deadline — essentially a contract buy-out, with $1 million (U.S.) paid to Kelme — passed on January 25, and Kelme considers Heras part of its team.
Kelme management claims that Heras remains under contract because his transfer clause remained unpaid as of the January 25 deadline. According to Joan Mas, Kelme’s team manager, representatives for the U.S. Postal Service called at 8 p.m. on the 25th, offering to pay the required amount over a three-year period. Mas refused the offer, saying it was “not very serious.” And added “no sum was paid.”
Kelme also took its complaint to the Spanish council of professional cycling, telling that forum it considers Heras bound by the current contract through the 2002 season.
Copyright AFP 2000