Banyoles - Italian veteran Alessandro Petacchi won the second stage of the Volta of Catalunya on Tuesday, while Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador remained ninth in the overall standings with cycling's governing body close to its decision over whether to appeal his clearance of a doping ban.
“I am happy because I began this season very poorly. In January and February, I was not doing well and now I feel a little better,” Petacchi said.
The 37-year-old Lampre rider finished the 169.3km ride from Santa Coloma de Farners to Banyoles in 4 hours, 11 minutes, 8 seconds.
Latvia's Gatis Smukulis of HTC-Highroad leads the overall standings after two stages.
“I'm happy with these two first stages, I didn't lose time and have not suffered any falls,” said Contador, who is 28 seconds off the lead heading into tomorrow's 189.3km mountain stage that ends in Andorra.
“Tomorrow's stage will be crucial for the overall standings,” he said. “Everything will depend on the last climb.”
Contador tested positive for clenbuterol but was later cleared of wrongdoing by the Spanish cycling federation.
The International Cycling Union will decide by Thursday whether to challenge the decision. The World Anti-Doping Agency has three more weeks than the UCI to also decide on an appeal.
Since escaping a proposed one-year ban in late January, Contador has competed twice, finishing fourth in the Tour of Algarve in Portugal and winning the Vuelta of Murcia in Spain.
The Volta of Catalunya, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, finishes on Sunday. - Sapa-AP