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.
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
