It's difficult to interpret the real details of that situation from such a distant, third-party perspective. However, learning that one's mother has serious cancer almost certainly renders the TdF and competitive nature in general suddenly much less important. Perhaps Basso found himself upset enough with the news such that he turned to the world's foremost spokesperson for cancer patients, and fellow cyclist for a bit of emotional support. One could also speculate that Basso more or less conceded his chances at winning the tour right there, while LA on the other hand never had any notion of NOT winning it. With this being a mutual realization, LA more or less offered his wheel as a conciliatory gesture, which was obviously accepted. With that, Riis maybe opted for the offer of a 'bird in the hand' with a podium finish given the emotional state of his top rider. Of course, this is but wild speculation.
Nevertheless, bravado on LA's part it is, but then again, it's that type of confidence and determination that factors into LA's TdF record, regardless of the true nature of said conversation.
Nevertheless, bravado on LA's part it is, but then again, it's that type of confidence and determination that factors into LA's TdF record, regardless of the true nature of said conversation.