Hondo banned

The Swiss Cycling Federation has sentenced Danilo Hondo to a two-year suspension, with one year of that to be suspended, followed by five years probation, after testing positive for the stimulant Carphedon at the Tour of Murcia in March this year. He must also pay a fine of CHF100,000 and court costs of CHF5,000.

Hondo has continued to maintain his innocence. After the hearing, his lawyer Michael Lehner said, "This sentence is a compromise and a partial success for us. With this, Danilo still has a future in the sport."

Gerolsteiner's team boss Hans-Michael Holczer commented, "We expect soon to get a look at the reasoning behind the Disciplinary Commission's decision and will look carefully at what is said about Danilo's guilt. Then we will see how it goes."

Although 31 year-old Hondo can return to racing on April 1, 2006, he will not be able to sign for a ProTour team for the next four years, according to the ProTour code of ethics.

Courtesy of Susan Westemeyer