ROME — Giro d'Italia champion Ivan Basso admitted he is involved in the Spanish doping scandal and is cooperating with sports authorities.

Basso asked to talk to the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) anti-doping prosecutor, and during their meeting he "widely acknowledged his responsibilities" in connection with Operation Puerto and offered "full cooperation," CONI said Monday.

The Italian cyclist's lawyer, Massimo Martelli, said his client spoke about "methods with which this activity was carried."

"Basso said, 'The moment has come for me to assume my responsibilities. I only hope that I will be understood,'" Martelli said.

Martelli could not disclose the exact contents of what Basso told the CONI prosecutor because the transcript was sealed.

Basso's name turned up on a list of cyclists who allegedly had contact with a Spanish doctor accused of running a blood-doping clinic in Madrid.

Basso has been charged by CONI's doping commission with using or attempting to use a banned substance after sports authorities reopened an investigation into his alleged participation in Operation Puerto.

He ruled out defending his title in the Giro, Italy's top cycling event, which begins on Saturday. Basso quit the Discovery Channel team last week.