Michael Rasmussen has admitted that he lied about his whereabouts before the Tour de France. Anti doping officials are able to carry out random doping tests out of competition. They could not find Michael Rasmussen in Europe, where he said he was. In fact he was in Mexico. Michael Rasmussen said it was for ‘personal reasons’. However, in the modern climate of doping in cycling many feel that this is as bad as an admission of failing a doping test.
Pat McQuaid, the president of cycling’s world governing body the UCI, told Danish television that Michael Rasmussen had no place in the sport after lying before the Tour de France.
Michael Rasmussen was withdrawn from the Tour de France, when he was in a commanding postion of leading the race and wearing the yellow jersey. His withdrawal was a major blow for the race, but, it would have been even more embarrassing for a cyclist with a bad reputation to win the race.
Michael Rasmussen is a former King of the Mountains and World Mountain Bike Champion
