Former Dutch professional cyclist Michael Boogerd has been banned for two years for historic doping offences during his career ©Getty Images

Former Dutch professional cyclist Michael Boogerd has been banned for two years for historic doping offences during his career, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has announced.

Because of the suspension, the results he obtained between 2005 and 2007 have been scrapped, including his win at the Dutch National Championships in 2006, owing to statutes of limitations within the World Anti-Doping Code which state a 10-year period in which results can be annulled.

Boogerd, winner of two stages of the Tour de France, as well as the Amstel Gold race in 1999, where he pipped disgraced American Lance Armstrong to take the title, openly admitted to doping in 2013.

In an interview with national broadcaster NOS, he said he had used erythropoietin (EPO), cortisone and blood transfusions from 1997 to 2007.

Boogerd, winner of three Dutch Road Race Championships during his career and who finished fifth overall in the 1998 Tour de France, said at the time that he was “sorry for keeping the doping culture alive” but he refused to name anyone who had helped him dope.

His admission in the television interview, reportedly watched by around one million viewers, prompted the Belgian Cycling Federation to launch an investigation into him as he held a Belgian licence and resided in the country.

Dutch rider Michael Boogerd openly admitted to having doped during his career in a television interview in 2013 ©Getty Images
Dutch rider Michael Boogerd openly admitted to having doped during his career in a television interview in 2013 ©Getty Images

Boogerd was facing a life-ban from the sport if he was found guilty, though he was adamant he would not implicate those involved in his continued doping, claiming he would “rather be suspended for life” than talk about other people.

The now 43-year-old retired from professional cycling in 2007 and was never charged for any doping offences, despite continued accusations lingering around his career before his open admission in 2013.

Boogerd then went on to become an official with the Dutch second-tier team Roompot Oranje and also had a spell in commentary.

“The Union Cycliste Internationale announces today that Michael Boogerd has been sanctioned with a two years’ ineligibility for the anti-doping rule violations he committed during his cycling career,” the UCI said in a statement.

“The ban is effective until 21 December 2017.

“The case has been resolved via an acceptance of consequences as provided for by the World Anti-Doping Code and the UCI Anti-Doping Rules.

“The UCI will not comment any further.”