Alex Rasmussen’s hearing on missing the doping control tests scheduled on November 11th
Alex Rasmussen joined team HTC-Highroad in 2011 but had to find a different team as HTC announced its demise by the end of 2011. It was officially announced on August 10th, 2011 that he signed a two year contract with team Garmin-Cervelo.
However, Alex missed three out of competition doping control tests and hence failed to comply with team’s policy. HTC-Highroad fired the cyclist last month and Danish Cycling Federation also suspended him on hearing the news. His newly signed two year contract with team Garmin Cervelo was also in danger.
The 27 year old has now revealed that team Garmin-Cervelo is still willing to have him back in the squad. He mentioned to have observed Jonathan’s inclination regarding his return.
Team Garmin Cervelo however thinks otherwise as a team’s spokesman mentioned, “Our policy is stringent. In light of this situation, Alex Rasmussen will not be joining our team."
The cyclist will probably face a one year or a two year ban for missing out the tests. He mentioned that the only reason why he missed the tests was because of laziness and he has never been involved in doping.
Alex’s lawyer believes that he might get away with the suspension. Rasmussen mentioned, "I only know what my lawyer tells me. And he believes that I will be acquitted. But I do not dare to build my hopes up. I would risk being badly disappointed."
Team Garmin Cervelo has a strong stance against doping. It established the Agency of Cycling Ethics (ACE) that ensures that the game is clean from doping and that the players are regularly tested for such indulgences.
Alex has already missed the world championships 2011 because of the same reason. Therefore, he should not expect any leniency in this case especially from Jonathan Vaughters.
Rasmussen is keen to participate at the Giro d’ Italia 2012 which he can even if he faces the one year ban starting from April 2011. Lone Hansen, the Danish Sports Director, believes that if the decision goes in his favour, the rider might get a chance to ride at Giro.
Alex’s hearing is scheduled on November 11.
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