In today’s world the thought of change has been on all our minds, especially Americans with the most recent presidential election.
It is only fitting that in cycling we have gone through many changes in the recent past. The compulsory use of helmets and the ever-growing number of doping tests are a couple of more recent examples. More so than before, there is an ebb and flow of cyclists trying to overcome injury or some type of personal substance abuse battle.
These types of incidents have ruined many a cyclist's dreams and have no rhyme or reason to whom they affect. Now as we reach a new dawn in cycling with more pro races appearing on a multitude of continents we are poised for the mother of all comebacks! First let’s look at a few others who have crossed the threshold of the comeback trail.
Ivan Basso, besides being one of the best looking cyclists in the peloton, one day held the hopes and dreams of all the Italian tifosi. He was hailed as the new Moser, a man who may someday be adorned with the palmares equivalent of Fausto Copi or Gino Bartali. He seemed to rise like a Phoenix from the peloton one July day in France, promising a new world order to the cycling fanatics.
His fall from grace was that which rivals the likes of Rocky Balboa or even possibly Tanya Harding. His comeback is most certainly being followed closely by many Italians and even many cycling fans around the globe. He will be riding for team Liquigas and will no doubt challenge for the spot of team leader in at least the Giro d'Italia.
His climbing ability combined with his time-trialing prowess will be a much welcomed force for the Liquigas team that is already packed with talent. No doubt that there will be somewhat of a power struggle between Basso and Danilo Diluca. The two will be the class of the peloton providing they can sort it out amongst themselves.
Basso will be in the spotlight as far as doping suspicions and will be well aware of the fans and UCI’s distrust of him. The other riders in the peloton will not judge him as one might think or label him a cheat as they are all aware of what it takes to be a top-ranked pro cyclist.
It is quite conceivable that Basso can shake the doper moniker and once again be one of the most feared and respected athletes in cycling. As far as this season, he may have to shake off some rust before he is ready to challenge for g.c. in one of the grand tours but for now you can just enjoy watching the beauty of his almost flawless style and fluid pedal stroke.
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