Lausanne, Switzerland  - The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Thursday dismissed cyclist Michael Rasmussen's appeal against the two-year ban he received for doping from the Monegasque Cycling Federation (FMC) last June.

"Consequently, Michael Rasmussen is suspended for a period of two years, starting on 26 July 2007," said CAS in a statement.

Rasmussen was kicked out of the 2007 Tour while leading after lying about his whereabouts in connection with doping tests. He told the International Cycling Federation
(UCI) that he was in Mexico when he was actually in Italy and France.

CAS found that Rasmussen had violated articles 15.3 and 15.5 of the UCI's anti-doping rules by his actions.

The 34-year-old was subsequently fired by his Rabobank team but won damages totalling in the region of 1 million dollars after winning a case in a Dutch court for unfair dismissal.

He was banned by the FMC as that is where he has a licence. (dpa)