Petacchi regrets cancellation of Niedersachsen RF

By Susan Westemeyer

Alessandro Petacchi loves Germany's Niedersachsen Rundfahrt - which only makes sense considering the Team Milram sprinting star won eight out of ten stages in 2006 and 2007, as well as the overall title both years. So it was only natural that the Italian was sorry to hear that this year's race had been cancelled.

"What a pity. It was a nice race and I had a good feeling with it," he told Cyclingnews on Friday. "Besides, it was important for our sponsor Milram. I hope they can find a solution for this race."

Organisers announced Sunday that the race would not be held this year, but that they hoped to come back in 2009 with a smaller version of the event.

At the Milram team presentation earlier this month, the 34 year-old Italian praised the race, saying, "I find the Niedersachsen Rundfahrt to be a very important tour and I hope to do well again this year, to bring in good results and win again."