Basso aims for 3rd win as Giro to begin in Denmark

ROME (AP) - The biggest obstacles in Ivan Basso's bid to win his third Giro d'Italia could come from the Lampre squad and a host of foreign riders.

The year's first major cycling tour kicks off Saturday with three stages in Denmark.

Basso won the Giro in 2006 and 2010. While his early season form this year hasn't been spectacular, he's the closest thing the race has to a favorite. Alberto Contador is serving a doping ban that stripped him of last year's title, and Tour de France champion Cadel Evans is focusing on that race.

Basso may be challenged by Michele Scarponi, who was bumped up to last year's winner, along with Scarponi's Lampre teammate Damiano Cunego. Also in the field is Frank Schleck, who finished third in last year's Tour.

The race ends in Milan on May 27.