Paolo Bettini (Photo: capture-the-peloton.com)

WEVELGEM, Dec 7 (CP) - Paolo Bettini announced to end his career when his DNA is asked in the fight against doping. "When they ask for my DNA, I am willing to retire immediately. I have already won a lot... It is good that DNA samples are asked when riders have blood sacks at home," Bettini said. "When they claim that they are not theirs, they should undergo a DNA test. But I think that such a test does not help in the fight against doping." Two months ago the World Champion already expressed his feelings about the test. According to Bettini, the tests "damage the private life of the rider and is moreover only used by serial killers." Earlier, Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso signed a clause in his contract which obliges him to deliver a DNA sample when asked for it. "Why did Basso not want to deliver his DNA when the Spanish doping research was going on? He only did it after he signed at Discovery Channel and when he knew that the Spanish Guardia Civil would not extradite the blood sacks which where in their possession," the 32-year-old Italian said. "When I declared in October that I was against the use of DNA tests, Basso was the first to congratulate me by mobile phone for proclaiming my opinion. Twenty days later, he changed his mind and accepted the use of such a test..." the Quickstep rider added.

© Jeroen Michiels