Manzano joins Italian team

Manzano was fired by the Spanish Kelme team last year

Jesus Manzano, the Spanish rider who rocked the cycling world with accusations of doping, has signed with an Italian team Amore & Vita.

Manzano was fired by the Spanish Kelme team last year, then made allegations that he was told to take drugs.

Ivano Fanini, director of the A&V confirmed the appointment on Tuesday.

"I just wanted to assure myself that he was serious and did not just want to get revenge on the team that fired him," he said.

This season's Amore & Vita team was expected to be presented on Wednesday in Rome, following an audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.

"I don't care if Manzano wins races or places well," Fanini said.

"For me, it's enough that he is dedicated when he practices and finishes the races, and then he'll have his reward.

"He told us he intends to rediscover clean cycling."