Yesterday the acquittal of most of the defendants in the Mantova case was announced. One of the riders who escaped prison is Alessandro Ballan who has served a suspension for his involvement in the case.

"I'm happy, but at the same time disappointed," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. Better late than never, but I have been angry throughout this time which was endless. Thoughts, headaches, disappointments, hours of lost sleep, an uncertain future: things that were all avoidable.

Now I will enjoy the Christmas holidays in peace and the embrace of the people who came to my house to congratulate me. With my lawyer Fabio Pavone I will make a careful assessment on what has been dismissed. Why not see if there are grounds to ask for damages?"

With the judgment, Ballan now has more hope that he will be able to return to professional cycling with Angelo Citracca's Southeast team.

"Citracca and I agreed to wait for the judgment," he said. "For three years, Pozzato and I have not been together but it would stupid if I refused to team up with him. I'd still be able to help him in the races which he cares most about. For now, though, the only things I know I will do is to head to Gran Canaria in February. Davide Cassani and Marco Velo wanted me in their Bike Academy group. A pleasure."