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.