May 8, 2007 (Rome, Italy) – Italian cyclist Ivan Basso (recently with Discovery Channel) has admitted to his involvement in the Puerto doping scandal reports Reuters. Basso, who won the 2006 Giro, is one of about 50 professional cyclists named in the Spanish “Puerto” investigation of alleged doping practices.

The Italian national Olympic committee (CONI) issued a brief press release yesterday on its website (www.coni.it) explaining in Italian that Basso has admitted to doping and is now collaborating with the committee. CONI called Basso in to testify in October 2006, but then closed the investigation before reopening it again this month. The press release was not specific on Basso’s admissions nor on his collaboration.