Ivan Basso quits Tour de France after testicular cancer diagnosis

Tinkoff Saxo cyclist Ivan Basso has announced his withdrawal from the Tour de France after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

The Italian discovered the lump after injuring his testicle in a crash on day five, and underwent a scan following yesterday's team time trial.

The 37-year-old said at a press conference: "Unfortunately I have a bad announcement. I have a small cancer in my left testicle, so you can understand that I have to go back to Italy. We discovered this just two hours ago."

Teammate Alberto Contador added: "It's a very tough blow to the whole team, we never imagined a day like this. Ivan and I have spent 120 of the past 180 days together. I'm sure we'll be together to celebrate in Paris."

The two-time Giro d'Italia winner claimed the young rider classification in the 2002 Tour de France.