Ivan Basso announces he has testicular cancer, withdraws from Tour

Basso’s condition was discovered when he complained of pain following a crash on stage five.

"We discovered this two hours ago, I have to stop," the 37-year-old Italian told a news conference.

"I have a small cancer in my left testicle, so you can understand that I have to go back to Italy."

His Tinkoff-Saxo team-mate 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."

Basso looked on course for Tour glory when he won the white jersey for the best Under-25 rider in 2002, in an era dominated by the disgraced Lance Armstrong, a testicular cancer survivor.

He never won the world's greatest race, however, finishing third and second overall in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

Basso won the Giro twice - his only grand tour titles - thanks to impressive climbing performances.

His career, however, was stained with a two-year ban for his implication in the Operation Puerto blood-doping scandal.

Basso admitted to "attempted doping" in 2007 and was hit by a backdated suspension.

He won the Giro less than two years after his comeback from suspension but only managed seventh in the 2007 Tour. He was one of Contador's lieutenants on this year's Tour having helped the Spaniard win the Giro last month.