Ivan Basso Free to Make Cycling Return After Receiving All-Clear from Cancer

Cyclist Ivan Basso is set to return to the sport after being given the all-clear from testicular cancer.

The 37-year-old, a two-time Giro d'Italia winner, was diagnosed with the illness during this year’s Tour de France after a crash on Stage 5. But as reported by BBC Sport, after treatment, the Tinkoff-Saxo rider has been handed a hugely positive prognosis and will be back on the bike at Saitama Criterium in Japan in October.

His team confirmed the good news on their official Twitter feed earlier this week:

Basso would have been a key ally to Alberto Contador at Le Tour earlier this year, and the Spaniard toiled without his team-mate, with Team Sky rider Chris Froome eventually donning the yellow jersey come the competition’s end.

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

The Italian has had his ups and downs in his cycling career, finishing third and second in Le Tour in 2004 and 2005 respectively; he also admitted “attempted doping” in 2007 and was hit with a two-year ban, according to the Guardian.

But he remains one of the most entertaining riders around, and cycling fans will be delighted to hear he’s healthy and able to get back in action soon.