World champ Ballan back for Tour de France

Alessandro Ballan (Lampre-NGC) welcomed back.

Alessandro Ballan (Lampre-NGC) welcomed back. (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

World champion Alessandro Ballan returned to racing Saturday in Cesenatico, Italy, after a virus kept him away for nearly three months. The Italian is building towards success in the Tour de France, July 4 to 26.