Because of the fact that Symbicort combines the effects of the two aerosols which Horrillo had been using so far, the doctor in attendance saw no need to apply for a new TUE with the International Cycling Federation UCI.

However, in the composition of the medicine Symbicort the ingredient Formeterol is being used. In its chemical composition as well as in its medical effects, Formeterol belongs to the same family of the other active ingredients. Still, Formeterol is listed separately at the anti doping list.

Because of this listing of Formeterol and contrary to the advice of his doctor in attendance, Pedro Horrillo should have applied for a new TUE with the UCI.

Pedro Horrillo had notified the medical staff of the Rabobank Cycling Teams of the visit to his doctor in attendance and had informed the medical staff of the outcome of his medical examinations as a result of which the therapeutic use of anti-asthma medication would still be necessary. However, Horrillo had failed to notify the medical staff of the replacement of two medications by the new medicine Symbicort.

Pedro Horrillo will not apply for a retest. During the course of the coming weeks Horrillo will have to make a statement in front of the Disciplinary Committee of the Spanish Cycling Federation.

Seen the nature of these facts that lie at the bottom of the administrative omission during the anti-doping control after the ‘Brabantse Pijl’, it is expected that the Spanish Cycling Federation will not come forward with a severe sanction against Pedro Horrillo and that this case will be closed shortly.

Based on all this, the Rabobank Cycling Teams will not suspend Pedro Horrillo and will keep him in competition.

Michael Boogerd retires

Michael Boogerd is currently in his fourteenth season as a professional cyclist. So far he has recorded 52 victories. With his winning appearance and his both opportunistic and aggressive way of riding Michael Boogerd has been an ambassador of the Rabobank Cycling Teams since 1996. After Erik Dekkers retirement in 2006 and Richard Groenendaal leaving the team earlier this months, Boogerd and Jan Boven are the last riders of the Rabobank gang of 1996.

Boogerd was eager to announce his retirement a few days before the Amstel Gold Race, which is scheduled for coming Sunday. Boogerd: “I have always had a special bond with that race as well as with Liege – Bastogne – Liege.” The past nine years Boogerd finished in the top ten of the results of the Amstel Gold Race, the past five years he even finished top five each year. In 1999 Boogerd added the Amstel Gold Race to his roll of honor by beating Lance Armstrong. The past nine years Boogerd was also no less than seven times a top five finisher in Liege – Bastogne – Liege.

The announcement of his retirement didn’t come as a sudden decision. Boogerd: “I felt this decision was coming. I’m no longer 29 years of age. I want to avoid the moment where I have to learn to deal with dissatisfying results.”

Boogerd adds: “This is not a dramatical decision. It has to end someday anyhow. “It is not over yet. I am still very motivated to have a couple of beautiful moments in Amstel Gold Race, Liege – Bastogne – Liege, Tour de France…”

Dutch cycling has shared many moments of great success with Michael Boogerd. He was therefore awarded five times (1998, 1999, 2002, 2003 and 2006) the honors of Dutch Cyclist of the Year.

Unforgettable were his two stage victories in the Tour de France, his first in the pouring rain of Aix-les-Bains. But even more impressive was afternoon-long break away in 2002 through the Alps, resulting in a historical stage win in La Plagne.

Michael Boogerd became a professional cyclist in 1994 with the WordPerfect Team of Jan Raas. In 1995 he wore the Novell jersey. In 1996 Boogerd joined the Rabobank Cycling Team. His first victory Boogerd recorded June 19th 1996, when he won the ‘Klauterkoers’ in Sweikhuizen, The Netherlands. As his latest victory the National Championship of 2006 is listed.

Michael Boogerd won the red, white and blue national jersey three times. In 1997, 1998 and 2006 he became National Champion. Twice he finished first in the semi classic ‘Brabantse Pijl’ (2001 and 2003) en in the stage race Settimana Catalana (1998 and 2001). On his roll of honor the overall victory in the stage race Paris – Nice (1999) is listed as well.

Michael Boogerd has started eleven times in the Tour de France, finishing the Grand Tour ten times. Besides his two stage victories, Boogerd also made quite an impression with his fifth place in the final ranking of 1998 and his tenth place in 2001. Boogerd has started in three editions of the Giro d’Italia and one edition of the Vuelta a España.

Besides his unique talents as a contender in stage races, Boogerd also showed his exceptional talents in the spring classics and semi classics. Both 1999 and 2003 Boogerd finished second in the final classification of the World Cup. On top of that he finished second in 1999 in the World Ranking of the International Cycling Union UCI.

According to director Theo de Rooij of the Rabobank Cycling Teams a typical era in Dutch cycling will come to an end, the era of Michael Boogerd and Erik Dekker. De Rooij: “Michael Boogerd is still a fantastic athlete. I love to watch him race, because with him it comes straight from the heart. For Dutch cycling in general and for the Rabobank Cycling Teams more in particular it is a pitty that the era comes to an end. ‘Boogie’ has given a lot to Dutch cyling.”