Italian cyclist Riccardo Ricco, hospitalised earlier this month after allegedly giving himself a blood transfusion, has been sacked by his Vacansoleil-DCM team for breaching internal rules.
The 27-year-old is said to have suffered from kidney problems, followed by heart and lung infections and was suspended by the Dutch squad.
However, now he has been fired.
A statement on the team's official website read: "On February 19 the Vacansoleil-DCM team fired Ricco with immediate effect.
"Last Tuesday, February 8, the team started an internal investigation regarding the hospitalisation of Mr Ricco.
"This investigation led to a suspension of the rider.
"Following the suspension the investigation was continued and Ricco got the opportunity to give his point of view on the matter.
"Subsequent to all of this Ricco was fired on the spot today.
"The breach of internal rules and other indications justify this measure.
"Today Ricco was informed on the dismissal by a registered letter.
"The team outlines that it follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of doping."
