Desite not getting his contract with Omega Pharma-Quick Step renewed, 40-year-old Alessandro Petacchi has no intention to stop his career. The Italian wants to ride for another year and has been in contact with three teams who want to use his experience to develop their young sprinters.

In 2013, Alessandro Petacchi temporarily ended his career but was brought back from retirement by Omega Pharma-Quick Step who signed him as a key part of the strengthened lead-out train for Mark Cavendish. However, the Belgian team has chosen not to extend his contract, meaning that he is now looking for another team where he can continue his long career.

Speaking with Tuttobiciweb on his way to Japan where he will close his season with the Japan Cup and the Saitama Criterium, he revealed that he still has the desire to ride at the highest level.

"I'd like to ride for another year because I enjoy cycling," he said. "I feel good and I think I still have something to give. I know I can no longer compete with the world's strongest sprinters and I do not even have the desire to try but I'm fine and I think I can perform a certain type of job, perhaps for an upcoming sprinter.

"I am certainly very sorry [not to have my contract renewed] because I felt good in the Belgian team. Initially, I had tals with them but my age of 40 years played a role in their choice and I understand why.

"I have three interesting contacts, two with foreign teams and one with an Italian team who have young sprinters that can benefit from my experience. Upon returning from Japan, I will  make my decision. In fact I received several interesting proprosals to remain in the environment in different roles, but when I get on the bike, I still feel certain emotions and I would like to continue at least for another year."

This year Petacchi won the GP Cerami, his only win in the Omega Pharma-Quick Step jersey.