Michael Rasmussen (Photo: capture-the-peloton.com)

PAU, Jul 26 (CP) - Rabobank press manager Jacob Bergsma told the press more about what happened during the riders meeting late on Wednesday, and what the team currently feels about Michael Rasmussen.

"We have riders in the team that can win stages, they have been sacrificing themselves for two weeks and four days before Paris they hear that the Yellow Jersey is gone," said Bergsma.

"The riders are very emotional. One of them cried when he heard the news.

"To continue, what's the point? The Tour has been destroyed, the question is how to go on. Not just with the Tour, but with the entire cycling sport.

"Rasmussen? He can forget it, he's been thrown out of the family. Wednesday night he left the hotel at around 10:45pm, like a thief in the night. We're a family, and you don't lie to family.

© Jonathan Roorda