Basso barred from Discovery Channel team

ROME --Giro d'Italia champion Ivan Basso was barred from riding for his Discovery Channel team after the Italian Olympic Committee reopened its investigation into the Spanish doping scandal.

The Italian committee summoned Basso on Tuesday to a doping hearing May 2 on charges of having used or attempted to use a banned substance or method.

Upon learning of the renewed investigation, Discovery Channel decided to sideline Basso, who signed a two-year contract in November to ride for the team.

"We continue to stand behind Ivan and intend to cooperate with all parties involved until there is closure," sports director Johan Bruyneel said in a statement. "It is unfortunate that this is now occurring. However, I have spoken to Ivan and although frustrated he agrees and understands with the decision we have taken."

Basso, who has always denied doping, could not be reached for comment Tuesday and reportedly did not travel to Huy, Belgium for Wednesday's race.

The 29-year-old Italian was one of 50 riders implicated in last year's Operation Puerto, which led to his exclusion from the Tour de France. Basso's name turned up on a list of cyclists who allegedly had contact with a Spanish doctor accused of running a blood doping clinic in Madrid.

Basso was cleared of involvement by the Italian Olympic Committee and the Italian cycling federation in October.

Italian Olympic Committee doping investigators reportedly have obtained bags suspected to contain Basso's blood from Spain and want to compare them with his DNA.

This month, a DNA sample of 1997 Tour de France champion Jan Ullrich was matched to blood bags seized in the scandal. The now-retired German has denied using any banned substances.

The world cycling federation Monday urged the Spanish government to do more to identify the riders involved the scandal.