Friday, when receiving the 40th Premio Sport in Camaiore (near Lucca, Toscana), Ivan Basso commented that he would race La Classicissima, Milano-Sanremo. He confirmed to La Gazzetta dello Sport that he will race to win the 2007 Giro d'Italia and Tour de France and added "I will also be at Sanremo, I want to see how the finish will go. ... Sanremo is alluring to me."
Basso last competed in, and finished, the spring-time race in 2002 with Fassa Bortolo. Five years later, with Discovery Channel, he will be hoping for a re-birth of sorts after an up and down 2006, which saw him win the Giro before being booted out of the Tour for alleged links to Eufemiano Fuentes.
"I found a lot of affection from the people and many colleagues," he continued in regards to the difficult times surrounding not racing and being put on trial in Italy.
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Cyclingnews' recent coverage of 'Operación Puerto'
April 2, 2009 - Valverde indignant over possible suspension
April 1, 2009 - Valverde: Italy requests two-year suspension
March 13, 2009 - Le Monde newspaper hit with fine over Puerto allegations
March 2, 2009 - WADA president Fahey asks for Puerto evidence
February 24, 2009 - Spanish federation seeks access to Puerto blood bags
February 20, 2009 - CONI considers Valverde case while UCI awaits verdict
February 19, 2009 - Valverde under criminal investigation
February 11, 2009 - Valverde summonsed for Operación Puerto in Italy
February 8, 2009 - Eight charged in Operación Puerto
Cyclingnews' complete coverage of Operación Puerto
