News flash for October 27, 2006

Edited by Laura Weislo

Basso's Operación Puerto case officially shelved

by Tim Maloney, European Editor and Gregor Brown

Today the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) officially shelved the investigation files regarding Ivan Basso's involvement in Operación Puerto. The FCI followed upon the recommendation made to them by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) on October 12, when Franco Cosenza, the anti-doping lawyer, ruled similarly. A statement today from the FCI's office in Roma read, "The commission, in light of the shelving from the Anti-doping lawyer CONI concerning Ivan Basso, after having examined the legal documents, arranged for the shelving of the procedure."

The official decision by the FCI disciplinary commission, backing CONI's earlier recommendation, means that Ivan Basso, winner of the 2006 Giro d'Italia, is free to race. "It's the right outcome," Basso's lawyer, Massimo Martelli, told the Associated Press. "More than being happy, we feel it was deserved." It is of note that rarely does the FCI re-open a case once it has been shelved. Ivan Basso was implicated in the Spanish Operación Puerto this last June and subsequently not allowed to start the Tour de France. Currently the Italian is looking for a new team after reaching an agreement to terminate his contract with Team CSC.

Cyclingnews' recent coverage of 'Operación Puerto'

May 18, 2009 - Valverde to start Catalunya
May 15, 2009 - Valverde not welcome in Denmark
May 14, 2009 - Spanish federation wants proof in Valverde case
May 13, 2009 - Spanish Olympic Committee defends Valverde
May 12, 2009 - Valverde responds to sanction
May 11, 2009 - Italian tribunal delivers Valverde two-year suspension
May 8, 2009 - Valverde case: Italian Olympic Committee defends Torri
May 7, 2009 - Valverde to take legal action against CONI prosecutor
May 5, 2009 - WADA and Spanish federation join CONI and UCI on Valverde
May 1, 2009 - International Cycling Union joins in on Valverde's hearing in Italy

Cyclingnews' complete coverage of Operación Puerto

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