Cyclist Admits to Doping

Filed in archive Adventure on May 7, 2007

Italian cyclist Ivan Basso, a Giro d'Italia champion, admitted his involvement in a spanish doping scandal. The scandal began last May and involved more than 50 cyclists including Jan Ullrich. He will cooperate with authorities, but will not implicate other riders. This is unfortunate news for Cycling and its fans as it tries to clean up the sport after numerous high profile scandals, including the ongoing testing and investigation of last year's Tour de France winner, Floyd Landis.

The Italian rider "widely acknowledged his responsibilities" in connection with Operation Puerto and offered "full cooperation," the Italian Olympic Committee said Monday.

Basso's lawyer, Massimo Martelli, said his client decided to "spill the beans because it was not possible for him to live out his passion, his work, cycling, in this way." Basso could face a long suspension and it was not immediately clear if his Giro title was in danger.

Basso's name turned up on a list of cyclists who allegedly had contact with a Spanish doctor accused of running a blood-doping clinic in Madrid.

Martelli said he could not disclose what Basso told the Italian committee prosecutor because the transcript was sealed. But the lawyer said Basso acknowledged "the moment has come" to speak. Martelli added that Basso will "plan his future around the fight against doping."

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