Double champion Ivan Basso, of Italy, has pulled out of the Giro d’Italia because of a serious saddle sore two days before the start of the race.

Basso was suffering from a cyst, which made it impossible for him to pedal correctly, his Cannondale team said in a statement yesterday.

Compatriot Damiano Caruso would replace Basso in the squad, Cannondale said.

The 35-year-old climber won the Giro in 2006 and 2010 but was not regarded as a top contender this year, having shown poor form this season.

Basso also twice finished on the Tour de France podium, taking third place in 2004 and finishing runners-up in 2005.

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