Alessandro Petacchi on Team Lampre's Vuelta Roster Despite Doping Questions
Team Lampre has included Alessandro Petacchi in its Spanish Vuelta squad even though the sprinting standout could face a doping suspension from the Italian Olympic Committee.
Team Lampre has included Alessandro Petacchi in its Spanish Vuelta squad even though the sprinting standout could face a doping suspension from the Italian Olympic Committee.
Petacchi was questioned by CONI's anti-doping prosecutor Tuesday after being linked to blood doping by a prosecutor in Padua.
CONI could issue a preliminary ban ahead of a trial before the committee's anti-doping court.
In its team announcement Thursday, Lampre said it was following the case and is prepared if Petacchi is suspended.
Petacchi already was suspended in a separate doping case in 2007. He maintains he is innocent and said he explained his position during Tuesday's hearing.
The 2010 Vuelta a Espana / Tour of Spain 2010 begins Saturday.
