BERLIN - Italian cyclist Alessandro Petacchi has been released by the Milram team after his suspension for a doping offence.
Petacchi's contract was annulled "by mutual consent," team manager Gerry van Gerwen said Friday. "The decision was made together with him. I don't know if he plans to retire," Van Gerwen said.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport found Petacchi guilty 10 days ago of a doping offence and stripped his five stage wins in the 2007 Giro d'Italia.
The 34-year-old sprint specialist must also serve a ban until the end of August, applied retroactively from last November.
The ruling relates to allegations Petacchi excessively used an asthma drug during last year's Giro.
However, the panel of three CAS lawyers said Petacchi had not intended to overdose on salbutamol.
He was authorized by cycling's governing body to use the drug as part of his regular medication, Ventolin. However, increased doses can enhance an athlete's performance.
Petacchi registered a "non-negative" test after winning the 11th stage of last year's Giro.
The case was brought to CAS last August by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and was supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
CONI appealed a decision by the Italian cycling federation to clear Petacchi, and asked for the rider to be banned for two years.
Milram toughened its anti-doping policy for the 2008 season. Riders signed new medical and ethical pledges that allow the team to fire cyclists who are caught doping.
Petacchi was already ruled out by respiratory illness from competing in this year's Giro, which started Saturday.
He has won 24 Giro stages and four Tour de France stages in his career.
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