Earlier today Team Omega Pharma-Lotto announced that it has fired former Australian national champion Matthew Lloyd and that the team will therefore terminate all cooperation with Lloyd with immediate effect.

According to statements in the press release from the team "Recent incidents during the first races disputed in 2011 by Matthew (Lloyd) for our team made this collaboration impossible."

Team Omega Pharma-Lotto manager Marc Sergeant added "Our team's image cannot be connected to Matthew's behaviour any more, therefore the unanimous decision taken by the BCC board of directors. We follow a policy of zero tolerance of which we cannot divert."

The team underscores that the termination of Lloyd has no connection to any use of any illegal substances.

Team representatives are refusing to elaborate on the reasons for the termination and in order "to respect Matthew's privacy."