The Italian Franco Pellizotti, whose already signed contract with the WorldTour team Astana was terminated a few days ago [Link], will also be at the start for his previous team Androni Giocattoli next year. He will share the role of captain there with Dutch champion Johnny Hoogerland. This was announced by team manager Gianni Savio today.
"[He] stay with us", said Savio, who spoke up after Pellizotti's contract with Astana and announced that he would renegotiate the budget with his sponsors in order to be able to keep the former Italian champions on board. Now he put it on record that Pellizotti will not receive a new contract, but will only fulfill his existing contract. This originally ran until the end of 2014, but contained an exit clause should the Italian receive an offer from the WorldTour.
The deal with Astana is based on agreements made by members of the Community for Credible Cycling (MPCC). This prohibits teams from signing drivers whose doping ban was only two years ago. This is the case with Pellizotti. Although Androni Giocattoli is also a member of the MPCC, the team only joined the association after signing a contract with Pellizotti.
Pellizotti's first race next year will be the Gran Premio Costa degli Etruschi on February 2nd. After that, his main goal should be the Giro d'Italia.