Two-year ban for one-time Tour leader Rasmussen
Danish cyclist Michael Rasmussen receives two-year ban after being thrown out of last year's Tour de France
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Wednesday, 02, Jul 2008 11:53
Danish cyclist Michael Rasmussen has received a two-year ban after being thrown out of the Tour de France while wearing the leader's yellow jersey last year.
The 34-year-old was forced to quit Le Tour in 2007 after admitting to lying about his whereabouts in training.
His team Rabobank sacked him four days after the finish, which led to a claim for unlawful dismissal.
Rasmussen, whose two-year ban from the Monaco cycling federation was confirmed by the sport's governing body UCI, has denied doping allegations and blamed problems in his personal life for his behaviour.
On Wednesday a Dutch court backed Rabobank's decision but nevertheless ordered the team to pay him €700,000 (£556,000) in compensation.
"Rabobank has to pay Rasmussen the salary he would have earned if the lawful period was considered to fire him," a statement explained.