Petacchi decision appealed

Despite being cleared by the Italian Cycling Federation's disciplinary committee earlier this week for suspicion of doping, Team Milram's Alessandro Petacchi's problems may not be over yet. Only two days after being cleared, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) said that it would appeal the FCI's decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport. CONI attorney Ettore Torri, who initially recommended a one-year suspension when the case was handed to FCI, announcement the appeal overnight.

The Milram sprinter tested non-negative for the asthma medication Salbutamol during the Giro d'Italia. Team Milram suspended the rider immediately, ending the star sprinter's hopes of contesting the Tour de France, but reinstated him this week when he was cleared by the FCI.

The UCI had also indicated that it might appeal the decision, with president Pat McQuaid reporting the organisation would request documents relating to the case from the Italian bodies. SW