After highly uninspiring first part of the current season, concluded by disappointing performance at the Giro d’Italia which basically confirmed what almost everyone suspected, Ivan Basso turned his focus into the remaining months of 2014. According to Italian media, Basso won’t ride the Tour de France, neither the Vuelta a Espana, planning to appear in North American stage races instead.

While Basso’s absence at the Tour de France was highly expected, decision not to participate in the Vuelta a Espana came as a little surprise from the experience Italian, who is currently rumored to join the Saxo-Tinkoff as a luxury domestique and mentor for Rafał Majka after his contract with Cannondale expires with the end of this year.

According to Spaziociclismo, Basso will return to competition at the Tour of Austria, July 6 to 13, before heading to the eleven-day altitude training at Passo San Pellegrino. Instead of riding the Spanish grand tour, the 37-year old Cannondale leader will travel to North America in order to take part in the Tour of Utah, August 4 to 10, and the Tour of Colorado, August 18-24.

The race programme for last months of 2014 season is yet to be announced, but Basso is expected to participate in Italian races, including Trittico Lombardo from 16 to 18 September.