A bit of reflection | Cyclingnews

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Ivan Basso (Liquigas)(Image credit: Bettini Photo)

Since I last wrote from Florence, the Giro d'Italia finished in Rome and the first half of 2009 ended with a bang on Mont Ventoux last week. It wasn't quite the way I wanted to go out, but now I am enjoying a small break prior to working towards being in the best form for the Vuelta a España.

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Ivan Basso is back to racing after a forced rest of two years due to his involvement in Operación Puerto. The Italian, winner of the 2006 Giro d'Italia, hopes to set the record straight and prove himself stronger than before while giving Cyclingnews' readers an inside look at his training and racing.

Back from a 16-month suspension, Basso ended his ban at the Japan Cup, October 26. He finished third in a close finish behind Damiano Cunego and Giovanni Visconti. The result was promising and Basso hopes there will be even brighter days ahead in 2009. Stay tuned as he recounts his journey back to the top of the sport.