Basso cleared of further cancer after successful surgery

The Tinkoff-Saxo team let out a collective sigh of relief overnight with the news that Ivan Basso had been cleared of additional treatment for testicular cancer.

Good news for Ivan Basso after successful surgery for testicular cancer (AAP) Source: AFP

The 37-year-old Italian left the Tour after Stage 9 when blood tests after a crash on Stage 5 led to a testicular cancer diagnosis.  He underwent surgery immediately.

“We are all very, very happy to hear this,” said sport director Stephen de Jongh, speaking on behalf of the relieved Tinkoff-Saxo team.

Professor Francesco Montorsi, director of the urology surgery unit at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, issued a statement yesterday after Basso had a post-surgery check-up.

"The patient has perfectly recovered from the intervention. The final histological examination shows, currently, no indication for additional treatment and the patient will be closely observed during the following months.

"It is recommended the patient should rest for a period of one month. Professor Montorsi and his team are absolutely optimistic on the complete healing of Ivan Basso."

Basso, a two-time winner of the Giro d'Italia, was also overjoyed by the news.

"I am extremely happy with the outcome of the surgery and I would like to deeply thank Tinkoff-Saxo's team doctor, Piet De Moor, the doctors and medical staff of the Tour de France as well as Professor Montorsi and his team.

“Professor Montorsi has allowed me to travel by plane and I look forward to meeting the rest of the Tinkoff-Saxo squad in Paris to celebrate the end of the Tour de France."