Ivan Basso injured during Tour de France training

Ivan Basso required 15 stitches to close deep cuts above his right eye and on his cheek after falling during training for the Tour de France.

Last year's Giro d'Italia winner was just beginning a training camp on Mount Etna in Sicily.

The Liquigas team says Basso fell on his face and right shoulder while navigating a curve in the road on Tuesday.

Stitches were applied at a small emergency center on the mountain and Basso was then taken to a hospital for precautionary reasons.

Tests showed no broken bones but Basso says he "was really scared" by the accident.

The Tour begins July 2 and Basso says he will "gradually" begin training again over the next few days.

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