Liquigas team win opening Giro stage

The Italian Liquigas team won the opening 25.6 km team time-trial stage of the Giro d'Italia from Caprera to La Maddalena at the northern tip of Sardinia yesterday.

Liquigas set a time of 33 minutes and 38 seconds on the twisting course. Astana were second, 13 seconds slower, and CSC finished third at 30 seconds.

Italy's Enrico Gasparotto was the first Liquigas rider to cross the finish line and will wear the race leader's pink jersey during today's 205-km second stage from Tempio Pausania to Bosa in northern Sardinia.

Meanwhile, UCI president Pat McQuaid said yesterday Italian rider Ivan Basso does not deserve a reduced ban for admitting his involvement in the Spanish Operation Puerto doping scandal.

Italian media has speculated the 2006 Giro champion may hope to obtain a reduction because of his admission.

McQuaid said: "He has now admitted his guilt but for nine months he lied to everyone in the cycling family, to the media, to sponsors and even when he went into a new team."

He added: "I don't believe he deserves a reduction (in any suspension). The rules state that riders need to give specific information and name names. We have not seen that."