Italian rider Franco Pellizotti is reportedly seeking US$262,000 in damages from the UCI after being cleared of doping charges related to his biological passport.

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, the figure comprises legal fees Pellizotti incurred after the International Cycling Union cited irregularities in a sample taken after he placed third in the 2009 Giro d'Italia and before the 2009 Tour de France, in which Pellizotti won the mountains classification.

The Italian Olympic Committee cleared Pellizotti in October, saying the evidence did not provide "a sufficient probability of guilt."

Pellizotti is currently cleared to compete, but he has not signed with a new team after being released by Team Liquigas.