Posted on 07/25/2007 2:54:25 PM PDT by hardback
Leader Rasmussen kicked off Tour
Rasmussen has held the yellow jersey for 10 days Race leader Michael Rasmussen has been kicked out of the Tour de France and sacked by his Rabobank team. The 33-year-old Dane has been at the centre of controversy during the Tour since it was revealed he missed out-of-competition drugs tests.
But Rabobank have learnt he lied to them about his whereabouts in June.
Rasmussen looked odds-on to win the Tour on Sunday after taking Wednesday's stage, which increased his lead over second-placed rider Alberto Contador.
News conference: Michael Rasmussen
But young Spaniard Contador will now assume the race lead with four stages remaining.
And the Discovery Channel rider will go into Thursday's flat stage from Pau to Castelsarrasin with a one minute 57 second lead over Australian Cadel Evans.
Rasmussen has been sent home for violating the team's internal rules
Jacob Bergsma Rabobank spokesman
Rasmussen's sacking follows the high-profile positive drugs test on pre-race favourite Alexandre Vinokourov in a dramatic 24 hours for the race.
Vinokourov's Astana team withdrew from the race in protest, and Cofidis have also pulled out following the positive test on their rider Cristian Moreni.
Rasmussen has admitted making a mistake in missing out-of-competition drugs tests but insists he backs moves to make cycling drug-free.
"I'm sorry the situation is coming out now, when I'm wearing the yellow jersey, and it's harming the sport that I dearly love," he said before his 16th stage win.
"I want to make absolutely clear I've had out-of-competition tests prior to the Tour de France, 14 tests during the Tour and all the results are negative.
"I do support my team in the fight against doping and [for] a clean sport."
606: DEBATE There's no easy answer to this - how can a sport so huge, so popular, cleanse itself?
TheInvigilator
However, Rabobank have since discovered that Rasmussen lied to them over where and what he was up to during the month of June when he was in fact in Italy and not in Mexico as he had told them.
"Michael Rasmussen has been sent home for violating the team's internal rules," said Rabobank spokesman Jacob Bergsma.
Wednesday's victory on the Col d'Aubisque was Rasmussen's second of the Tour and tightened his grip on the yellow jersey.
Amusing name association aside, it’s rather sad to see where this sport is going post-Armstrong.
This is breaking news?
This is hügh!
It’s hardly worth following any more, all the top names are gone. Jan Ulrich, Lance Armstrong, Michael Rasmussen, Tyer Hamilton, Vino...I almost wouldn’t be surprised if they called off the whole thing.
Perhaps 100 years ago Polka Dots were big?
I haven’t followed as closely this year, but will Disco support Levi or that Contador fellow?
Both are positioned well to take the yellow.
I miss Merckx and Hinault.
New standings 1. Alberto Contador (Sp), Discovery 2. Cadel Evans (Aus), Predictor-Lotto, 1:57 3. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Discovery, at 2:48 4. Carlos Sastre (Sp). CSC, at 6:02
Did you notice that over the years he seemed to have grown some real polka dots on his chest there?
It takes one tough mo-fo to earn the polka dot jersey - it’s worn by the ‘king of the mountains’ point leader.
Difficult work, that.
Hard core bicyclists often end up getting a “T-Rex” look: massive legs with shrinking chests and tiny vestigal arms....
Did I ever tell you that you are awesome!
Hard core bicyclists often end up getting a “T-Rex” look: massive legs with shrinking chests and tiny vestigal arms....
I have the sneaking suspicion I know you from somewhere, but I can't put my finger on it quite yet......
Oh, no. First Vino, now this. I feel sorry for whoever does win this year (young Contador, perhaps?) since there will always be that suspicion that they would not have been able to win if the “real” leaders had stayed in the race. A mess all around.
Too bad there are so many 'drug' issues!
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