Italy wants Basso for 2008 Olympics

Ivan Basso is expected to ride the time trial at the 2008 Olympics in Peking. "We think that Basso should have a good chance. After his participation in the Tour de France, Ivan will be in good form to start in the Olympics," said Silvio Martinello, general director of the Italian cycling federation, according to press agency sid.

Basso also came in for praise from Italian president Romano Prodi, who gave a speech at the "Giro d'Onore" awards of the National Olympic Committee, honouring members of the Italian Cycling Federation. "Basso still has a lot to give to cycling," he said. However, Prodi charged the cyclist to set a good example, considering the increasing importance of ethics and the fight against doping.