Basso prepares

It came as somewhat of a shock when Liquigas announced earlier in 2008 that they had signed disgraced Italian rider Ivan Basso for 2009.

Basso with his wife Micaela

At the signing the President of Liquigas, Paolo Dal Lago, emphasised that "this was a challenging yet conscious decision. Ivan Basso is observing with great dignity the suspension that was handed down on 15th June 2007 by Federciclismo’s Disciplinary Commission. The sports judiciary system handled his case more severely than most and, despite the fact that he has been harshly punished, Ivan has still maintained a responsible and calm attitude, he has applied some healthy self-criticism and taken this seriously throughout. This has earned him the public’s respect, as well as the respect of those who work in the industry.”

David Millar, himself a man with a suspension behind him, questioned Basso's when he commentated that Basso had never admitted to doping.

With a few months having passed since the news, Basso has been spending time with his family in Valley Biois, in Province of Belluno, as he prepares for his long-awaited return to racing in 2009.

Basso said - "Here the environment is serene and I can find myself." "The weather is good here and I have trained a lot"