Matti Gavazzi is no longer a Christina Watches-Kuma rider. CyclingQuotes has learned that the Italian has been fired by his team. The reasons for the termination of Gavazzi's contract are not quite clear, but have to be found outside the sport, confirms sports director Bo Hamburger.

A statement by the team reads that “per 26th May we had to terminate Mattia Gavazzi's contract. At Christina Watches-Kuma we have some internal rules that riders and staff have to adhere to“.

The statement goes on to say that Gavazzi strongly violated these unspecified internal rules. “Therefore we had no choice but to terminate the contract with Gavazzi. The rider himself understands that his violation of our rules leaves us no other choice, and has confirmed this to DCU [the Danish cycling federation].“

Earlier in his career Gavazzi had been suspended for doping, having tested positive for cocaine. This led to some speculation on social media, but Christina Watches-Kuma sports director Bo Hamburger denies any connection to doping in this affair.

“This has nothing to do with doping“, Hamburger told CyclingQuotes and stressed: “It has nothing to do with cycling, it's his behaviour outside the sport.“

Hamburger wouldn't go into more detail regarding Gavazzi's dismissal. The Italian rider, meanwhile, has already found a new team: He signed with Ukraine-registered team Amore & Vita- Selle SMP.