Basso a dad again

Giro leader Ivan Basso had some good news before the start of stage 19, as his wife Micaela gave birth to the couple's second child on Friday morning. "It's been a fantastic day for me and my family," said Basso. "I have to admit it's a very special feeling to be sitting in the middle of a big race wearing the leader's jersey and knowing that my wife has brought a child into the world. I'm very happy right now and I have a lot to be thankful for.

"Tomorrow will be tough, but of course I have a comfortable lead at the moment and a team of riders, who are all capable of accomplishing great things. Jens is an exceptional rider, and what he did today deserves the utmost respect."

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