Posted at 6:34 a.m., Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Cycling: Italy's Petacchi cleared of doping charges
Associated Press
ROME — Italian cyclist Alessandro Petacchi was cleared of doping charges today by his national federation, which ruled that he used an asthma drug for legitimate medical reasons.Petacchi had registered a "non-negative" test for salbutamol after winning the 11th stage of the Giro d'Italia on May 23.
The Italian cycling federation said it understood that the drug use was only for "therapeutic" needs and "did not constitute a violation of the existing anti-doping rules."
"It's one of the most beautiful victories of my life," Petacchi said.
Petacchi was removed from Milram's Tour de France team when the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) recommended a one-year ban two days before the start of the race. CONI charged him with the "presence of a banned substance" in his system.
Petacchi is authorized by the International Cycling Union to use a certain amount of salbutamol as part of his regular medication, Ventolin. Elevated levels of the drug can have performance-enhancing effects.
"After a 12-year career, 140 races won, I can only say that I didn't have any reason to ruin my career with a Ventolin," Petacchi said during the hearing, according to the ANSA news agency. "I didn't do anything different at the last Giro d'Italia from all the others.
"I have a certificate that authorizes me to use salbutamol and then when I declare that I used it they come looking for me. I repeat that I didn't have any need to ruin my career for a few more puffs."
Petacchi was accompanied to the hearing by Milram team physician Claudio Sprenger and Australian teammate Brett Lancaster, who both testified that Petacchi used the inhaler only for asthma purposes.
The 33-year-old Petacchi is a sprint specialist who won five stages during this year's Giro and 24 in his career. He has also won four Tour de France stages.
