April fools is well past, guys.

I am actually speechless. I do think the difference between Basso and the Jaksche and Sinkewitz crowd is remorse. Sinkewitz and Jaksche show very little sign of even understanding that what they did was wrong and have given little indication that they are reformed and wouldn't do it again. Although Ivan's admission was anything but complete and honest he at least showed a simulacrum of guilt and remorse.

not because of Basso's new anti-drug spokesman role, which makes as much sense and most things coming out of UCI, but because I actually read the Pat McQuaid blurb and it sounded rational...

Like Clemens and Petite..well kinda

I doubt this is seen so dimly. I'll wait for anyone to interpret the Italian news (anyone?) but given the grey area attributed to even the most startlingly corrupt figures, I'd guess Italians aren't bothered much by the incompleteness of his confession.

is going to be to tell everyone where he got his supplies, who administered them, and what his team managers had to say about it, right?

As for double-speak in cycling, this comes a distant second to my favorite quote. It is from Tom Ramey, of Liberty Mutual about Liberty Seguros' Manager Manolo Saiz.

For ourselves I have great confidence in Manolo, I know our protocols and I know Manolo's historic role relative to doping. He is Mr. Anti-Doping. That sums up my response on drugs. http://www.cyclingrevealed.com/Feb06/Feb_feature06.htm

Jaksche confessed to actually doping.

Basso only INTENDED to dope! He never actually did!

:)

I was so trying to ignore this story.  Eeew.  I'm good with Basso signing a contract and racing his bikey.  I might even cheer for the guy.  But antidoping ambassador guy?  Oh, puleeze.  Let's not push it, mmkay?

This story isn't getting much of any play in the Italian press, and I looked in vain for comment on it.  Most of the tifosi are either obsessing about the upcoming Giro or bawling in their espressos over the suspension of Peta.  Actually, in truth, opinion is divided on the Ale situation, with some seeing his suspension as ridiculous and a sign of all that's wrong with cycling and its governance, and others seeing it as fair and correct since he broke the rules.

On Basso's return in general, it seems to me most opinion is pretty favorable.  He still enjoys a significant amount of popularity.  I haven't really ever seen anyone argue his innocence, even when this thing all began.  Most believe he did what lots of others were doing at the same time, and many decry what they see as inequitable treatment, whereby Basso was punished and others named in the Puerto investigation continued to ride.  That perception isn't entirely so, of course, since there are any number of Spanish riders racing for peanuts or prematurely retired, while Basso will return to a very nice contract with a major team.  His half-assed confession provoked plenty of derisive comment, but most understand the reasoning behind it.  Anyway, most of the comment on his return takes on a welcome back, good luck sort of tone.  He's pretty much totally forgiven.  

Just my take, with the usual caveat that I'm not actually Italian, so I may have missed some sort of nuancey bits and pieces.

greatest example of egotism known in modern sport, or an historic attempt of sincere contrition.

I guess we'll find out which.

for the best PdC thread EVAH!

The signing of Basso to a current Pro Tour team and their adoption of him as poster boy must mean there will be no more Pro Tour after this year.