Alex Rasmussen sacked by HTC after missed drugs test

Denmark's Alex Rasmussen has been sacked by HTC-Highroad after he missed a drugs test.

The four-time track cycling world champion has also had his racing licence suspended by the Danish Cycling Union.

"Alex Rasmussen's contract has been terminated with immediate effect for breach of the team's code of conduct," read a statement by HTC.

"The UCI, NOC and Sports Confederation of Denmark notified the team today that a missed test occurred and has been verified by a UCI review.

"The team was also notified that Rasmussen had two missed tests in 2010 prior to joining HTC-Highroad that had not been previously reported to the team."

The 27-year-old was going to join Garmin-Cervelo in 2012, but has been told to find a new team.