TINKOFF-SAXO RIDER Ivan Basso has pulled out of the Tour de France after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The Italian revealed the news during a news conference on a rest day for the Tour on Monday.
“Unfortunately I have a bad announcement,” Basso said. ”I have a small cancer in my left testicle, so you can understand that I have to go back to Italy.”
Basso, a two-time winner of the Giro d’Italia, was part of a Tinkoff-Saxo team supporting lead rider Alberto Contador.
“It’s a very tough blow to the whole team, we never imagined a day like this,” Contador said. ”Ivan and I have spent 120 of the past 180 days together. I’m sure we’ll be together to celebrate in Paris.”
Lance Armstrong was quick to offer his support:
Originally published at 16.23
