Michael Rasmussen (capture-the-peloton.com)

COPENHAGEN, Jul 30 (CP) - In an interview with Danish news source BT, former Rabobank rider Michael Rasmussen spoke about what happened in the Tour de France.

"My world collapsed, I didn't know what to do. Fortunately, the thought of my son and wife kept me going," said the Dane.

Rasmussen was removed from the Rabobank team, and thereby from the Tour de France, when BT announced that the rider had actually been in Italy and not in Mexico during his preparation for the Tour.

The rider continues to deny these claims and vows to fight for his place in professional cycling. Yesterday it was announced that a top-attorney will be hired in order to defend Rasmussen.

In another interview, with Danish television channel TV2, Rasmussen said: "I never used doping. I've always cycled clean and I'll be ready to participate in the most important cycling event next year."

© Jonathan Roorda