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Ivan Basso Is Being Accused Of Bribing Gilberto Simoni Simoni said that Basso tried to pay his way through the Saturday's stage victory	By Ovidiu Panzariu, Sports Editor 30th of May 2006, 12:23 GMT Adjust text size:


He has just won the Tour of Italy and people are contesting him already. Ivan Basso has been accused by his own countryman, Gilberto Simoni, that he tried to buy his way through the last mountain stages. The Italian media focused on that immediately after Basso was crowned the new king of Il Giro, on Sunday, following a declaration that Simoni had just released: "He said he wants to give me money so I won't attack him during the mountain stages". "It's a lack of respect for me and my team-mates. As for what he says about money, I don't have to justify myself. I'll make my comments at the appropriate time to the federal authorities", angrily stated Basso. The stage incriminated by Simoni was the one that Basso finished more than a minute ahead of him at Aprica. According to Simoni, Basso ensured him of receiving a large sum of money only 5 km left in the stage. "I don't want to lower myself to Simoni's level, that would be to play his game. I don't think I have been dishonest during the Giro, rather that I have been generous. My conscience is clear", said Basso. After these allegations, the Italian police will call Simoni for a testimony on June the 5th. What's more interesting is that, in case of Basso losing the "Pink Jersey", the victory in Il Giro will go to J.E. Gutierrez, the second seeded in overall standings. Simoni only managed the 3rd position at the end of the competition. Basso is also angry with the ones that are showing great wonder in his great winning-margin - the second biggest in the last 5- years. "I don't like the fact that people have been saying I have superhuman powers, talking of me as an alien, an extra-terrestrial. Two years ago, I was with [Lance] Armstrong on all the climbs of the Tour. I've suffered a lot to get to where I am, but - in this sport - there's always someone to cast a shadow on what is beautiful. I'm going to have to get used to it", said Basso. A final decision in this case will be released by the Italian police in the weeks to come. Until then, Basso will most likely prepare for the French Le Tour, that will get under way in July.

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