Ivan Basso Out of Giro

Basso, in Verona's L'Arena, in 2010

With less than 48 hours to the start of the Giro d'Italia, Ivan Basso, Cannondale Pro Cycling's race leader, has been been withdrawn from the start list due to a perineal abscess. He will be replaced by Damiano Caruso.

Yesterday morning, upon awakening, Basso had gross swelling of the perineal region, swelling that had begun a few days earlier. Throughout the day, under the care of Dr. Roberto Corsetti, Basso was administered local and systemic antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

This morning, further evaluation of the lesion revealed that it would be impossible for Basso to ride over the next few days. Basso will return home today and tomorrow will begin undergoing specialized tests to determine the best course of treatment.

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