Petacchi to ride in Germany

Alessandra Petacchi will be riding Rund um die Heinleite in Germany on Sunday, even though the race organizers aren't every enthusiastic about his presence. Milram's 33 year-old sprinter tested "non-negative" for an asthma medication during the Giro d'Italia.

The Italian cycling federation (FCI) cleared him of the charges, but the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) has decided to appeal FCI's decision.

"Team Milram has registered him. He has a license. Under the UCI rules, there is no way I can prevent him from starting, even though the Italian Olympic Committee is appealing his acquittal," said Race Director Jörg Werner. The only way to exclude Petacchi would be to rescind the invitation to the whole team. "That would affect innocent riders."