Sunweb-Projob Team manager Jurgen Mettepenningen dismissed rider Tom Vannoppen after Vannoppen failed to attend a scheduled training ride in Kluisbergen on Wednesday. Vannoppen was already on thin ice with the team after failing to perform in races. Mettepenningen had already indicated that Vannoppen's elite contract, which ends December 31, would not be extended, but suggested he might be able to continue with the team as an 'elite without contract' rider.
"I certainly have a lot of respect for Vannoppen as a friend," Mettepenningen said, however, the missed training session was the last straw. "A dismissal was the only option." Vannoppen has been asked to return his camper and other equipment.
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