UCI has taken the decision to suspend their medical advisor Mario Zorzoli after it has emerged that the Dutchman has been accused of complicity in Michael Rasmussen's doping.

Earlier today it came out that former Rabobank doctor Geert Leinders has recieved a lifetime suspension for his involvement in doping practices while working for the Dutch team. The decision was mainly based on testimonies from former Rabobank rider Michael Rasmussen.

The Dane also claims that UCI medical advisor Mario Zorzoli met with Leinders during the first rest day of the 2005 Tour de France after Rabobank had been made aware of his low reticulocyte levels (a potential sign of a blood transfusion) in a doping control test.

“After his meeting with Zorzoli, Dr Leinders told Ramussen that ‘Rabobank was a team that had ‘butter on its head’…meaning that all the problems, doping related problems would slide off,” USADA write in the full decision.

Today the UCI has reacted to the claims by issuing the following statement:

"The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) today welcomes the decision of the panel of the American Arbitration Association North American Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA) to impose a life-ban on Dr. Geert Leinders, of Belgium, for his doping violations committed while he was the Chief Team Doctor for the Rabobank professional cycling team.

"The UCI is aware that the reasoned decision includes allegations made against UCI Doctor and Scientific Advisor Dr. Mario Zorzoli. The UCI is now waiting to receive the full file to look closely into these allegations, and whilst this investigation is taking place, Dr Zorzoli will not be involved in any matters relating to anti-doping. No further comment will be made at this stage."