ROME, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Italian cycling star Ivan Basso will make his comeback, following a doping ban, next week in Japan.

    Former CSC and Discovery Channel rider Basso said Friday he will make his return at the Japan Cup on Oct. 26.

Italian rider Ivan Basso attends a news conference in Milan May 7, 2007. Giro d'Italia champion Basso has admitted being involved in the Operation Puerto doping scandal, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    "It's back to square one for me," said the 30-year-old Italian, who now rides with the Liquigas team.

    Basso's last race was on March 30, 2007 at the Tour of Castilleand Leon in Spain.

    After that, suspicions of his involvement in the Operation Puerto drugs affair in Spain led to him being sanctioned for nearly two years.

    After resuming his career in Japan Basso would like to race next year's Tour of Italy, where he is likely to bump into former rival, Lance Armstrong, who is returning to the sport after a three-year retirement.