Alex Rasmussen disappointed on missing out the 201 London Olympics
Alex Rasmussen of Team Garmin-Sharp missed three doping tests and has been immediately fired by his side, Team Garmin-Sharp.
The cyclist failed to provide his whereabouts information and Court of Arbitration for Sport suspended him for a period of 18 months.
The Dane was preparing for the 2012 London Olympics and is disappointed on missing out on such an important opportunity.
He noted that the team had no other option but to fire him after the CAS decision and any team would have done the same.
Alex noted that the Danish team was looking ahead at the Olympics and his disqualification can really hurt the team’s plans.
“There is a very depressed mood. We had a really good team that was ready to go for the medals. It is over for me. I must go home and move on,” he briefed.
The 28-year-old cited that the whole procedure is “very stressful and characterized by many ups and downs”.
“I have to look at the positives. People have, after all, been out a long time with injuries, and I still have my good form and the desire to ride races. They can't take that from me”.
Rasmussen has an excellent track record at the Olympics games and secured the silver medal at the team pursuit during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
He also holds four gold, one silver and one bronze medal throughout his appearances in the past six seasons of the World Championships.
However, Alex’s lawyer Henrik Stagetorn is planning to appeal against the CAS decision to delay the suspension’s start date.
For instance, if the cyclist’s ban period starts after the Olympics are over, he may still be able to represent his nation at the biggest cycling event of the year.
“We are considering whether we should take the matter to a Swiss court to appeal the CAS ruling,” Stagetorn voiced to Ritzau news agency.
Alex was initially terminated by his side, Team HTC-Highroad for missing a doping test back in September 15, 2011.
The cyclist was also removed from the Denmark for the UCI Road World Championships 2011 and also faced the criminal prosecution.
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