Two-time Giro d'Italia champ
Ivan Basso has returned to the saddle for the first time since
an operation to remove a cancerous testicle 32 days ago.
"Even though I can't say whether I'll compete again," said
the 37-year-old 'Ivan the Terrible', "I'm happy to get pedalling
again.
"I don't remember ever having had such a long holiday, and
certainly it's years since I went a month without getting on the
bike," he told a press conference.
"Now I'm very happy to start doing it again. Though
competitive cycling isn't all there is: I have to recognise that
cycling is happiness, life and wellbeing".
Basso said he was optimistic about a key September 1
check-up with the "excellent team" that operated on him on July
15.
He was operated on by Francesco Montorsi, director of the
Urology Operating Unit at Milan's San Raffaele hospital.
Basso quit his last Tour de France two days before the op
after learning of his condition.
A tearful Basso announced his decision at a press
conference with his Saxo-Tinkoff team captain Alberto Contador.
Basso was suspended for two years for doping between
his Giro wins in 2006 and 2010.
He is still among cycling's strongest climbers.
His team doctor has said he has a 99% chance of beating the
cancer.
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