T-Mobile releases Honchar

T-Mobile Team has terminated its contract with Serhiy Honchar "for violations of the Team Code of Conduct," giving the 36 year-old rider his immediate release. The team announced in May that Honchar would be held out of racing due to irregularities in blood tests conducted during Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Romandie.

"This decision by the team management was based upon follow-up tests completed in early June and additional information gathered during his suspension," according to a press release.

Honchar is now "free to seek employment with another team or company."

General Manager Bob Stapleton did not give details. "We respect the rights to privacy of all parties involved and cannot release any further information at this time," said the American.

In 2006, his first year with T-Mobile, the Ukrainian wore the leader's jersey in the Giro d'Italia for two days, and won both time trials (stage 7 and stage 19) in the Tour de France, where he wore the leader's jersey for three days.