Ivan Basso (Cannondale) is an honorary citizen of the Italian town Saltara and was present last night at the party organized for the 90th anniversary of the POL Alighiero Omicioli.

"For me it's a special feeling to be here with friends who I know and who I can check in with a few months from now in what for me is the most important time of the season,” Basso explained according to Tuttobiciweb.it.

The reason why Basso attaches such importance to the following months is because they precede what appears to be the Italian rider’s main objective of the season, another Giro d’Italia triumph.

“Yeah, because I 'm still working to win the Tour of Italy. I know there's scepticism when I make a statement like this, I know there are those who think that I 'm too old now, but I am convinced I can fight for the win. And with fans like you, dear friends, I always have an extra motivation," Basso told the assembled locals.

Basso went on to explain: "I am convinced that not only the legs count in order to deliver great performances, but the head and the heart also play crucial roles. I’ll do the Giro d’Italia this year and I want to do something special. In the coming days I will start to do the reconnaissance together with the eight guys who will join me - in the end we will see all 21 stages because in a Grand Tour you cannot leave anything to chance. Obviously some stages are more important than others, but every day contains the ability that something decisive might happen and you need to be prepared. I believe [that I can win the Giro] and ... I'll see you in May."

The Giro d’Italia kicks off on May 9.