The Danish Cycling Federation (DCU) will hold a press on Saturday to address the “Rasmussen case.” Chairman Tom Lund and director Jesper Worre will provide the press with further details into the former Tour de France King of the Mountains’ exclusion from the Danish selection in the past World Championships in Mendrisio, Switzerland.
If the DCU gets its way then Rasmussen can expect never to start the World Championships or Olympic Games in national colors. Rasmussen had previously stated his interest in acquiring Mexican nationality to ensure his future participation in the events. The Dane has set his sights on the World Championships in Geelong in September 2010, despite the relatively flat nature of the course.
It is still not clear with which team Rasmussen will ride in 2010. Earlier reports had linked him to signing with Italian Pro Continental team CDC-Cavaliere, but the Dane was quick to shoot down the rumors. “It is a mystery to me how the story is leaked. Now I certainly hope that the false news does not ruin anything in relation to my current contract negotiations,” he explained. More details about his status for 2010 should be disclosed within the coming weeks.
Rasmussen made a successful comeback this year winning the overall of the Vuelta Ciclista Puebla San Marcos. The former Rabobank rider was forced out of the yellow jersey in the 2007 Tour for lying about his whereabouts to anti-doping authorities. Rasmussen was eligible to return to completion on July 25, 2009, after serving a two year ban.