According to Italian media, Alessandro Petacchi is likely to retire from professional cycling with the end of the 2014 season, as the Omega Pharma- Quick Step manager Patrick Lefevere confirmed that the Belgian team will not extend his contract.

Petacchi returned to professional cycling in the second half of 2013 season after Omega Pharma – Quick Step decided to strengthen a lead-out train of Mark Cavendish, but Spaziociclismo suggested, citing Lefevere, that good relationship between sprinters came to en end. In such circumstances, the Belgian team won’t offer the Italian veteran a new contract.

Petacchi is free to sign a new deal with another cycling squad, but according to Italian media it’s very unlikely.