Ivan Basso (Photo: capture-the-peloton.com)

AUSTIN, Nov 8 (CP) - Giro d'Italia champion Ivan Basso will make a move to Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team. This was confirmed by the American ProTour formation on Wednesday. Lance Armstrong, who continues to play an important role at the team since his retirement last year, triggered media attention by telling Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport about Basso's signing. Armstrong revealed that Basso will be earning about 1.5 million Euros a year at his new team. Whether the rider will lead the team at both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France remains unknown. If Basso is to participate in the Giro, he would succeed two-times champion Paolo Savoldelli as Discovery Channel team leader. The Italian was suspended by Team CSC after being linked with the Spanish doping scandal, which also left him out of the Tour de France this year. Upon being cleared of accusations, Basso and the Danish team decided not to continue their cooperation.

© Jonathan Roorda