Basso signs Nike deal

Basso, who joined Armstrong's former Discovery Channel team in November, will promote the American sportswear on and off the bike.

"Basso is an exciting rider; with lots of appeal," said Margie Wargo of Nike to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"They know him in Italy, but also in America for being Lance's only adversary in two editions of the Tour de France. That created a great connection between him and Armstrong and a sponsorship collaboration that we were excited to have."

Basso finished second to Armstrong at the 2005 Tour de France, but was suspended from last year's race for his implication in the Operation Puerto doping scandal.

The Giro D'Italia victor has since been cleared to race by the Italian Olympic Committee and plans to attempt the Giro-Tour double in 2007.

"It is will be our aim for catalogue and internet publicity," said Wargo of Nike's planned use of Basso's image.

"For now we don't see a promotional campaign or line of sportswear dedicated to him, but that will depend on how the Tour goes."