Motorcycling-Rossi fends off tax evasion allegations

ROME, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Former world motor cycling champion Valentino Rossi defended himself from allegations of tax evasion on Italian television on Tuesday.

"The professionals who handle my income declarations have assured me that they respected the rules, as I have always asked them to do," the 28-year-old Yamaha rider told state broadcaster RAI.

"My conscience is clean. This story will be over very soon".

Last week, Italy's tax agency said it was examining possible tax evasion on undeclared revenues of 60 million euros ($81.50 million) from 2000 to 2004.

The investigation is linked to the rider's decision in 2000 to take up residence in Britain to take advantage of favourable tax conditions.

"The Italian tax authorities probably don't agree with the authorities of other countries, like Britain," Rossi said.

"But they have to find the solution between themselves, without taking it out on me".

Rossi, a sporting hero in Italy, won the 125cc world championship in 1997, the 250cc title in 1999 and the 500cc crown in 2001 before bagging four MotoGP titles from 2002-2005.

However, the Italian lost out to American Nicky Hayden in 2006 and is second in the 2007 standings behind Casey Stoner of Australia with seven races left.