Basso posts blood values online

By Gregor Brown

Ivan Basso posted his blood values online via Mapei Sport for anyone to monitor. The Italian of Team Liquigas wants to provide maximum clarity after his suspension in 2007 based on the Operación Puerto doping investigation.

"It a question of credibility and transparency," said Basso to Cyclingnews. "It is not required from everyone else. There are cyclists who have done everything well, but I did not and it is right that the people don't have the same trust in me."

The numbers available include Basso's hematocrit levels since last April. He posted a 44.9 percent while training during his two-year suspension. His last test percent, taken after his suspension ended on October 24, was 41.4.

Basso was suspended from racing on June 15, 2007, for his links with Spanish Doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, the central character in Operación Puerto. He admitted to Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) investigating prosecutor Ettore Torri during investigation that he gave blood to Fuentes.

Basso is in Argentina for his first race of the 2009 season, the Tour de San Luis stage race. He is building his form for the Giro d'Italia, May 9 to 31. He won the Italian three-week race in 2006 prior to his involvement with Operación Puerto.