Untouchable Ivan?

The Italian has a commanding lead over the Giro D'Italia entering the last week of the race, but Basso refuses to start opening the champagne just yet.

"The general classification? I'll start looking at it next Saturday (second-to-last-stage)," the CSC leader said after dominating the 13th stage of the Giro to enhance his already strong lead.

"Today, I took a step forward, but it is necessary to keep my feet firmly on the ground. There are still many large climbs," Basso cautioned. "When my legs get worse, I will run on defense."

On Saturday Basso solidified his already tight-grip on the pink jersey, moving to a strong 3"27 ahead of his nearest rival Jose Enrique Gutierrez (Phonak).

Baso had a full five and a half minute gap on last year's winner Paolo Savoldelli (Discovery Channel) who held onto third-place.

After the race Savoldelli said that allergies continued to hamper his bid for a Giro repeat and third victory at the Tour of Italy.

"But also even if I was at 100 percent, I couldn't stay with Basso," Savoldelli acknowledged. "On the climb he has been exceptional."

The 2004 Giro king Damiano Cunego, now nearly nine minutes behind Basso, went as far as to concede victory to the Italian giant.

"I realise that now I can't win Giro, but can still think of the podium," the Lampre leader said after stage 13. "So let's see what happens in the next few stages."