Back in July he announced his retirement after he and his team were not invited to take part in this year's Tour de France.

After thinking over his decision, the fiery Italian appears to have mellowed and reneged on bowing out of cycling altogether.

He has warned he aims to prove his point at La Vuelta and the World Championships before lining up for next year's Tour de France.

The 2002 season has been one of the best for Cipollini.

At the Giro he recorded a remarkable six stage wins, leaving him one short of the record of 41 career stage wins long held by Alfredo Binda.

He also triumphed in the Milan-San Remo classic and the Gand-Wevelgem race and should be a sure bet for some early stage wins in Spain.