I thought we had a thread specifically devoted to removing adhesive residue from cable, but I can't find it.
One wants to use the gentlest, least-toxic substance that will do the job. This could range from olive oil, vegetable oil, peanut butter, to rubbing alcohol, citrus-based cleaners, WD-40, Armor All, to petroleum jelly,
mineral spirits,
acetone (fingernail polish remover), to naphtha (lighter fluid, Goo-Gone), toluene (actually any of the -enes, including kerosene and gasoline).
One of my favorites is
Liquid Nails Remover, as it is a
gel and comes in a toothpaste-type tube. [EDIT: Uh-oh, seems to have been discontinued. Probably because it didn't work; I've never used it to remove LiquidNails, and suspect it's essentially petroleum jelly in a tube.]
Be sure that whatever
solvent you choose won't damage the cable, and use all appropriate
PPE. Always work in a well-ventilated area!