Basso says he intended to cheat, but didn't

"I have admitted attempted doping only. I've never taken any doping substance nor undergone any illegal blood transfusions."

-- Ivan Basso, Giro d'Italia champion

A day after admitting involvement in the Operation Puerto doping scandal, Giro d'Italia champion Ivan Basso said on Tuesday he had intended to cheat but never went through with it.

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

Basso he made contact with a doctor at the heart of the Spanish investigation, Eufemiano Fuentes, and gave him a blood sample with the intention of doping -- but never actually did.

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

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

Basso, 29, quit his Discovery Channel team last month after the Italian Olympic Committee, or CONI, reopened an investigation into his alleged or attempted use of a banned substance or method.

Another 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, always has denied doping and last week offered to submit to a DNA test.

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

Basso confident that he would not be stripped of his Giro victory. He has ruled out defending his title in 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."

He said the decision to acknowledge involvement had been spontaneous.

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

Spain's sports minister praised Basso for his admission.

"Personally I consider this as an example of bravery," Jaime Lissavetzky said. "I think Basso has shown that he's not only a great cycling champion, but also a person who knows how to face responsibility. I congratulate him."

CONI Gianni Petrucci said Basso's disclosure sent a clear message to cycling.

"This is the first time a top cyclist has decided to cooperate," Petrucci said. "It is an important signal. It means that the world of cycling is beginning to understand that it is useless to shirk one's responsibilities and that it doesn't pay to play the victim."

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