Basso admits involvement in doping scandal
Ivan Basso is facing a suspension for using drugs
GIRO D'ITALIA champion Ivan Basso has admitted being involved in the Operation Puerto doping scandal, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) revealed.
"The office of the anti-doping power of attorney has listened today to Ivan Basso and he has widely admitted his own responsibilities relative to Operation Puerto and has supplied the maximum collaboration in order to clear up the relative facts of his involvement," a statement on CONI's website said.
CONI, which acts as Italy's anti-doping body, said Basso had made an impromptu appearance to the authorities on Monday to explain his position. He had appeared before a CONI doping hearing last Wednesday which was adjourned with no new date fixed.
The Italian rider has been accused of violating article 2.2 of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code concerning "use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or a prohibited method."
"We are calm and aware we have done the right thing," Basso's lawyer Massimo Martelli was quoted as saying on the Gazzetta dello Sport website.
"If Ivan has done what he has done it is because he loves his sport. We looked each other in the eyes and we said to each other that it was a case of lifting this weight off our backs, from our conscience."
Basso was forced to miss last year's Tour de France as one of over 50 professional riders implicated in Operation Puerto.
The Spanish investigation was launched after police raids in Madrid and Zaragoza found large quantities of anabolic steroids, blood transfusion equipment and more than 200 bags of blood.
The 29-year-old, who quit the Discovery Channel team last week, has previously stated he was a victim in the investigation and maintained his innocence.
Basso could now face a two-year ban, although Italian media reported that his offer to help the authorities may lead to leniency. The admission further undermines a troubled sport which has lurched from one doping scandal to the next.
* Ryan Connor's overall win in the Ulster Three-Day yesterday must have copper-fastened his position in the Irish National team for the FBD Insurance Rás, writes Tommy Campbell.
In second place was Paul Griffin with Andy Roche third overall. In the Corkman Three-Day, the promising Sam Bennett from the Dan Morrissey/Carrick Wheelers Road was the overall winner.
Mark Meadows
- Mark Meadows
