MONTPELLIER (France), July 20: Tour de France overall leader Michael Rasmussen claimed on Friday he had done nothing wrong though he admitted he had made an administrative error regarding dope testing.

Earlier in the day, he had been cleared to take part in the 12th stage from Montpellier to Castres by race director Christian Prudhomme. The news comes the day after he was axed from representing the Danish national team in major championships in a row over drug testing.

“I feel this has been blown a little out of proportion,” Rasmussen said. “I can confirm I have no positive doping tests and I have been tested out of competition in June and those tests were negative. I certainly do want to continue riding the Tour de France.” He added he had made a mistake though, saying: “I do admit I committed an administrative error. I have already received a warning from the UCI but I am very calm and very relaxed.

“I have full support from the ASO (company that runs the race) and I'm starting in the yellow jersey today. I don't blame the UCI, I take responsibility for not informing the UCI of my whereabouts.’’—AFP