Petacchi cleared in doping row

Alessandro Petacchi was today cleared of doping charges by the Italian Cycling Federation.

The 33-year-old returned a ’non-negative’ test for salbutamol after winning the 11th stage of the Giro d’Italia on May 23.

But it was announced in Rome on Tuesday that the Italian, a registered asthmatic, was permitted to use salbutamol for medical reasons.

“It’s one of the most beautiful victories of my life,” said Petacchi, who suspended by the Milram team and forced to miss this year’s Tour de France because of the charges.

“I always believed I hadn’t done anything, and now I’m coming out with my head held high.”

Cycling is currently in a state of crisis with Tour leader Michael Rasmussen embroiled in a fresh doping row.