Thomas Dekker has been banned from competition for two years by the Monaco Cycling Federation, where he holds his license, according to De Telegraaf. He has been provisionally suspended since July of last year when a urine sample from December 2007 was retroactively tested and traces of Dynepo, a type of recumbent EPO, were found. He initially denied doping but admitted using the drug after the B-sample was also positive.
The Dutchman’s positive test was announced just a few days before the 2009 Tour de France, forcing his then Silence-Lotto team to change its roster for the race. Commentators at the time speculated that the loss of Dekker, who would have been a key domestique, seriously affected the chances of team leader Cadel Evans. The Australian had his worst Tour for a number of years, eventually finishing in 30th place, 45’24” behind race winner Alberto Contador.
Dekker split from the Rabobank team in August 2008, having been regarded as one of the most exciting Dutch riders for many years. There had been a number of rumours about the Dutchman’s blood values but nothing had ever been proven. He was fired by Silence-Lotto after the B-sample positive was announced.
The two year ban has apparently been backdated to the date of the A-sample test and so Dekker will be eligible for competition in time for the 2011 Tour de France; should he find a team willing to take him on and he be allowed to take the start.