Basso to Liquigas, Pro Tour Ethics Code Ignored

Ivan Basso has reportedly signed a contract to race for the Italian Liquigas team after his suspension ends later this year. His new sponsor Liquigas withdrew itself as a member of the Internationale des Groupes Cyclistes Professionnels (AIGCP) yesterday, headed by Cofidis' Eric Boyer. Like Discovery did last year, Liquigas cited lack of unity in the group as the reason for their leaving. Yeah right.

Basso has kept under cover the last few months, but is now plotting his return to cycling

They are withdrawing for one reason and one reason only: Ivan Basso. Additionally, expect them to disassociate themselves from the Pro Tour in the near future as well. The Pro Tour ethics code stipulates that any rider sanctioned for doping must serve an additional two year suspension from riding on a Pro Tour team. Basso will have served two years when he begins riding for Liquigas, who is currently a Pro Tour team.

Basso thinks he can win the Giro again in 2009 despite having been away from competition for two years

In what is a huge blow to Pat McQuaid and the Pro Tour, Liquigas is confirming what many already knew: the Pro Tour won't be around much longer. Following ASO and RCS Sport's decision to exclude select Pro Tour teams from their events, much of the Pro Tour's influence dissappeared. Liquigas signing Basso could prove to be the death blow to the Pro Tour, as teams are realizing that they don't need to be in the Pro Tour to get invited to the year's biggest races.

When Basso returns, will he still have the accelerations in the high mountains?

Meanwhile, all is falling into place nicely for Basso. After the initial firestorm over his semi-confession, the Italian has humbly built himself back up in his native Italy, positioning himself as a casualty in the fight against doping. When he was sanctioned, many thought he would never ride for a big time team again. With the news of Liquigas signing him, Basso has almost come full circle. Now all that is left is for the Italian to get back to racing. Whether he'll still be "Ivan the Terrible" however, remains to be seen.