Rabobank to investigate Rasmussen affair

Rabobank, the sponsor of the same-named cycling team, has announced that an independent expert will investigate Michael Rasmussen's firing from the team. Bank spokesman Rene Loman told the Germany's dpa will also look into the open questions about Rasmussen's whereabouts in the time period leading up to the Tour de France. The banking giant said the investigation is needed: "to assess what happened before and during the Tour. Everyone knows that a lot happened."

The team fired the Danish rider last week during the Tour, claiming he lied to them as to his whereabouts in the weeks leading up to the Tour.

Loman noted that Rabobank does not intend to withdraw from sponsorship. "We have been sponsoring since 12 years," he noted. "Radsport is a typical Dutch sport and we will remain as sponsor." Loman added that the company is proud of the team's performance at the recently concluded Tour.