Petacchi and Lampre's Saronni 'almost there'

Alessandro Petacchi and Lampre-NGC team manager Beppe Saronni met earlier this week to discuss a possible move to his ProTour team.

Petacchi wants to end his contract with second-division team LPR Brakes one year early citing the exclusion in ProTour races amongst his greatest concerns.

With him, Petacchi will also need a dedicated leadout train if he is to compete against the likes of British rider Mark Cavendish.

Tuttobiciweb.it reports that the parties are very close to an agreement with mostly technical details left to workout. Since the financial terms are behind them and his current manager has agreed to let Petacchi out of his contract, one could expect an official announcement in short order.