Giro d'Italia champion Basso denies doping

MILAN, Italy — Giro d'Italia champion Ivan Basso denied doping but said Tuesday he "attempted" to do so, an admission that comes one day after he acknowledged his involvement in the Spanish drug scandal.

Basso said he made contact with a doctor at the center of the case, Eufemiano Fuentes, and gave him a blood sample with the intention of doping — but never actually did.

"I have admitted attempted doping only," Basso said at a news conference. "I've never taken any doping substance nor undergone any illegal blood transfusions."

Basso's name turned up on a list of cyclists who allegedly had contact with Fuentes, who is accused of running a blood-doping clinic in Madrid.

"It was a moment of weakness on my part," Basso said. "I accept responsibility and I am ready to face my punishment."

The 29-year-old Basso quit his Discovery Channel team last week after the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), reopened an investigation into his alleged use or attempted use of a banned substance or method.

Another cyclist under investigation, Michele Scarponi, also admitted involvement in the scandal Tuesday and offered his "full cooperation" to sports authorities, CONI said.

Scarponi, who rides for the Acqua & Sapone team, has always denied doping and last week offered to submit to a DNA test.

CONI has yet to issue sanctions, but both Italian riders could be banned from racing for up to two years.

However, Basso was confident that he would not be stripped of his Giro title. He has already ruled out defending Italy's top cycling event, which begins on Saturday.

"I have been one of the most monitored riders over the last three years. I have passed every test and am considered one of the models in terms of being a rider who respects the rules," Basso said. "I have never been found guilty of actual doping and everything I have achieved in my career I have done honestly. For this reason, I am not afraid."

Basso said the decision to acknowledge involvement was spontaneous.

"I wasn't brought to my knees with my back against the wall," he said. "I admitted of my own volition."

Basso, who admitted involvement to CONI's anti-doping prosecutor on Monday, said he would not implicate other riders.

"I can only speak about my own position," he said.