Hondo expects verdict within two weeks

Danilo Hondo will have to wait two more weeks to hear how the Court of Arbitration for Sports has decided his fate. After a seven-hour hearing Tuesday, the court announced that it expects to issue its decision by December 6. Hondo was appealing his suspension following a positive test for Carphedon. German doping specialist Werner Franke, who is normally a critic of doping within professional cycling, appeared on behalf of Hondo, who he considers a victim rather than a perpetrator.

Hondo told the German press agency DPA, "I had expected more. But we will have to see what their explanation is. We asked for an acquittal and the UCI asked for a one-year suspension, which would expire on April 1, 2006. Only the WADA asked for a two-year suspension. Anything is possible."

Hondo hopes to re-sign with his former Gerolsteiner team, which has expressed interest in the return of its star sprinter. But Stefan Göbel, a spokesman for the sponsor, said firmly, "Without an acquittal, Hondo has no chance with us."

Courtesy of Susan Westemeyer