Ivan Basso Signs Two-Year Contract With Liquigas After His Doping Ban
ROME, April 24, 2008 (AFP) - Italian cyclist Ivan Basso, who was suspended for two years for his implication in the Operation Puerto scandal, said Friday he hopes to return to the top with new team Liquigas.
The 30-year-old Basso, who is allowed to ride competitively again from October 24 2008, has agreed a two-year deal with Liquingas.
Basso told La Gazzetta dello Sport that his aim for 2009 was “to quickly become the winning Basso again”.
“It’s been so long since I’ve raced and all my rivals have progressed a lot,” said the 2006 Giro winner and runner-up in the 2005 Tour de France.
“After three months racing I will know if I can hope to win the Giro again,” he said. “But in my heart I’m convinced of it.”
Basso said his character had been changed by “the ordeal” he’d been through.
“For me Operation Puerto is the past even if it will always remain like a stain on my character. I had two choices (after his suspension) - to finish in a clinic for depression, or worse, break up my family, or roll up my sleeves.”
Basso said he was under no illusions about his return to the peloton.
“Some will take it well, others less so and some not at all. It’s justified. But there are so many riders who have been suspended and who have returned to ride normally. I have the right to as well.
“What is important is to have the right attitude. I’m putting the past behind me and starting from zero. My place after two years has changed. I’m no longer among the frontrunner’s. I have to show that I can come back.”
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