Following a solid early season that included a stage win at the Giro di Sardegna, German sprinter Danilo Hondo's contract with the Lampre-Farnese Vini team has been extended for two more years. Hondo's move to the Italian team this year marked his return to the top level of the sport following his positive test for Carphedon in 2005 while riding for the Gerolsteiner team.
"Danilo showed that he's a real professional cyclist, perfect in every side of his work, and so it was natural that we offered him a contract renewal," explained team manager Giuseppe Saronni from the signing event at the Lampre headquarters.
The 36 year old rode to a strong ninth place in the Tour of Flanders, and followed up his spring campaign with a strong ride in the Giro d'Italia after a sick Alessandro Petacchi abandoned the race. He put in an incredible ride to finish second place out of a breakaway behind Damien Monier (Cofidis) in stage seventeen, which ended up being his best result of the Italian Tour this year. He won two stages in the 2001 edition of the race.
"Hondo gives us his experience and high quality in support of the sprinters, and moreover he's reliable when he had the freedom of going in search of personal results. He's 36 years old, but his physic is powerful and in perfect fitness."
After two years on Professional Continental teams, the German was happy to have his future secure for what will likely be the rest of his career.
"I'm very happy to be part of Lampre-Farnese Vini's project for the next two years," said a delighted Hondo. "On the blue-fuchsia team there a perfect situation for working in a professional way, and it will be an important factor that will allow me to perform my best. I will give my support to the team in any way necessary."