The Operation Puerto case against Ivan Basso was suspended back in October due to a lack of evidence. The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) did not have substantial evidence to prosecute Ivan Basso, so they suspended the case with the caveat that it could be reopened if new evidence arises in the future. It is not immediately clear if any new evidence has turned up, but CONI has decided to summon Basso to appear before officials on May 2nd.
The committee said on its Web site (www.coni.it) that the rider had been summoned to appear before officials in Rome at 1500 local time (1300 GMT) on May 2 and had been notified personally of the summons.
After news of Jan Ullrich’s positive match this new revelation is not a big surprise. Basso will have to submit his DNA for comparison which he had somewhat agreed to do in the future if so needed.
Italy’s La Repubblica newspaper reported on Tuesday that anti-doping investigators had discovered further evidence and had also obtained bags suspected to contain Basso’s blood from Spain and wanted to compare them with Basso’s DNA.
Cyclingnews has more info:
Tuesday morning, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that there is interest from a Procura italiana (Italian public prosecutor, likely Bergamo anti-doping lawyer Cristina Rota) to have the bags of blood labelled ‘Birillo’ (allegedly Basso’s dog’s name) and with the number 2 brought from Madrid to Italy. It states that this transfer, like what was done in Jan Ullrich’s case, could happen sometime in the coming week, where the prosecutor could then ask for a DNA sample from Basso
As a result, Basso is now suspended by Discovery Channel and wil not compete at this week;s Fleche Wallone and his Giro participation is in serious doubt.
“We continue to stand behind Ivan and intend to cooperate with all parties involved until there is closure. It is unfortunate that this is now occurring, however, I have spoke to Ivan and although frustrated he agrees and understands with the decision we have taken,” said director Johan Bruyneel.
Angelo Zomegnan, Giro d’Italia director confirmed to La Gazzetta dello Sport that this will affect Basso’s participation in the Giro d’Italia. “It’s a complicated situation… Put in that situation, his participation in the Giro d’Italia will be difficult.
“To live under suspicion is frightening and I say that without any rhetoric. I hope that the truth comes out as soon as possible because cycling can’t stand stress like this.”
Bad news for Discovery Channel after Janez Brajkovic won the Tour de Georgia and Levi Leipheimer showed great form by winning the time trial and Brasstown Bald climb stages.
Bruyneel took a risk signing Basso, and it may look like that risk is not going to pay off. Hopefully this situation will be resolved quickly.
This also comes two days after news that Floyd landis’ B samples from the Tour de France all sowed traces of synthetic testosterone.
Cue the Michael Corleone line for Basso: “Just when I think I’m out, they push me back in…”
James
Regardless of his talent, I think signing Basso was a bad PR move for Discovery. We’ll see what happens next, but it is not good for the team’s image at this point.
Velochimp
I agree James. When Disco signed Basso back in October I was shocked. I thought that Basso was headed for a smaller, non ProTour team like Barloworld or LPR. In retrospect Bruyneel took a huge risk and right now it does not look good at all.
QP
Today’s another sad day for me… Regardless wheather Basso doped, he’s still one of the most talented and graceful cyclists in the recent years. Armstrong might have been the 1st rider I cheered for in the 2004 TdF, it was Ivan’s win at La Mongie that stuck with me. He’s the reason why I’m passionate about cycling.
I hope this OP drama can come to an end soon. Cycling fans then will finally have closure on this matter. I’m very sad that if and when Basso’s found guilty of doping, we may never see him ride again.
Many say that most cyclists more or less employ “illegal” performance enhancing methods. As much as I love cycling, I really don’t know much about what really goes on in the peloton. I wish I could simply sit back and enjoy the races and watch talents like Ivan ride.