Rominger "can't understand it"

Former cyclist turned manager Tony Rominger has claimed he knows nothing about doping and is disappointed with the revelations that some of his high-profile clients have tested positive. A manager for some 20 professional cyclists, Rominger's clients include the likes of Alexandre Vinokourov, Patrik Sinkewitz, and Matthias Kessler - all of whom have recently been implicated in doping.

"I am very shocked and disappointed," he told the Swiss radio station Radio DRS. "I can't understand it." He noted that the three riders all have high-paying, long-term contracts, and that doping problems hurt him personally as well. "I work on a provision basis. I lose money on such cases."

Rominger wants to pick his clients more carefully in the future. "When I continue, then I won't work with riders who have dubious trainers," he said.

Rominger himself worked with the controversial doctor Michele Ferrari when he was riding, but said that the Italian simply prepared his training plans. Sinkewitz made similar comments about his relationship with Ferrari just weeks before the announcement of his non-negative test for testosterone.