Hondo fired

After returning a positive B sample that proved use of the illegal drug Carphedon, Gerolsteiner rider Danilo Hondo has been fired by team management, effective immediately. Hondo was suspended by his team last Wednesday after twice testing positive during the Vuelta a Murcia in March this year.

ANP reports the UCI have confirmed the positive test result, with Hondo suspended from racing for two years. According to the UCI's ProTour Code of Ethics - which Team Gerolsteiner is a signed member - the 31 year-old will be prohibited from signing with any ProTour team for another two years, effectively ending his career.

Said a team statement issued yesterday afternoon: "We regret the personal situation of Danilo Hondo, but stand by our support of all measures against doping, which is also reflected in our contractual agreements [with the UCI]."