Botero to Colombian team

Botero was given the clearance to race by his Colombian Cycling Federation on November 11, "because of a lack of evidence," according to the president of his disciplinary hearing Carlos Vargas.

Botero played a key role in helping team-mate Jose Enrique Gutierrez to second-place in the 2006 Giro D'Italia, but both riders were suspended by the now-defunct Phonak after being listed in connection with the Spanish doping probe.

The 34-year-old mountain goat finished in the top-ten of the Tour de France general classifications three times while working with suspected doctor Eufemiano Fuentes at Kelme, including a fourth-place finish in 2002.

He plans to ride in the South America throughout next season, with his only projected European race coming at the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany next September.

Botero will debut with his new team at the Valle tour on March 7.