Gerolsteiner manager in shock

After the having to face the news that Danilo Hondo tested positive twice for a stimulant at the Vuelta a Murcia, Gerolsteiner manager Hans-Michael Holczer is in a state of shock. "My whole world is coming apart," Holczer said. "Danilo swears that this matter doesn't make any sense to him. We are trying to shed some light into this case rapidly. I have built this team up for seven years, and this would be the first doping case if the accusation is confirmed." A B sample is currently being analysed.

Meanwhile, German federation director Burkhard Bremer is standing behind Hondo. "Danilo is an experienced pro rider," he said. "Being an athlete of the national selection, he is under the control of WADA, BDR [the German cycling federation] and the UCI and knows that tests are carried out at every bigger race. For me, he remains not guilty until the B sample shows a positive result."

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