Reigning Tour of Italy champion Ivan Basso had decided to relinquish his title without a defence, deciding to pull out of his home event in favour of focusing on the Tour de France coming later on in the summer. With Basso missing from the line up, it will be Stefano Garzelli of Team Acqua & Sapone who will wear the number one jersey when the event starts from Turin on May 7th.
A recent lack of both fitness and form were behind Basso's decision to pull out of the Giro, although the Italian admitted he would only have been competing to help assist team-mate and compatriot Vincenzo Nibali in his challenge for the title. Basso expressed his disappointment at not being able to compete in the race but admitted his home fans wouldn't have seen him at his best if he were involved. Those looking at the Tour de France betting should remember this.
"It's a great sacrifice for me to pull out of the Giro but unfortunately with the shape I'm in at the moment I wouldn't be able to do it justice."
"At the beginning of the season the idea was to ride the Giro before the Tour de France with the view of helping Vincenzo Nibali in his quest for the pink jersey."
"Right to the last I tried to find the feeling that I could be comfortable and confident, but it hasn't arrived."
The extra time off will need to be used well by the Italian rider who has had a disappointing season so far. It's been over five years since Basso has mounted a genuine Tour challenge, managing only 32nd last year. At 33, time isn't on Basso's side and he'll be desperate to be in good shape by the time the sport's showpiece event starts on July 2nd.
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