Sprinter Alessandro Petacchi ended his six-season stay with Fassa Bortolo by signing with the team's top Italian rival, Domina Vacanze, on Friday.

The 31-year-old cyclist, who opted out of the Tour de France to keep himself fresh for the world road race championship in September, has agreed a three-season deal.

Petacchi received other offers but wanted to stay in Italy. Having lost their top rider and with their main sponsor pulling out, the Fassa Bortolo team will fold at the end of the current season.