The doping scandal that shattered this year’s Tour de France echoes even after the competition consumed its final stage on Sunday, the Dutch banking giant Rabobank announcing it will conduct an investigation to uncover the underlying of the controversy surrounding cyclist Michael Rasmussen.

An external investigator will conduct this operation, as the bank said a primary issue is to determine whether Rasmussen’s firing was the right thing to do and uncover what was the Dane doing in the training period.

The 33-year-old rider couldn’t be found before the Tour in order to attend doping tests, allegedly lying about his whereabouts. Rasmussen denied the allegations, but his contract was terminated during a period when he was leading the overall rankings.

Utrecht-based Rabobank is the main sponsor of Rasmussen’s team and this scandal could possibly harm the firm’s image, but the management announced it will not withdraw its financial support.

”We have been involved in cycling for more than twelve years, sponsoring all sorts of cycling activities. Cycling remains an authentic Dutch sport. We will remain active as sponsors,” spokesman Rene Loman said.

Loman also praised the team’s captain Michael Boogerd, who “pulled off some major achievements in the final days of the Tour, despite everything.”

This year’s edition was by far the most controversial, with top competitors like Alexandre Vinokourov, Cristian Moreni and Patrik Sinkewitz leaving the world’s top cycling event through the back door amid doping accusations.

Rasmussen added to this list after drawing attention for his easiness in riding the mountain stages, which are indeed his specialty. The former mountain biker broke off from the platoon of riders and rode alone for most of the stage, clinching the yellow jersey.

He held on to it until the scandal erupted and his team decided to terminate their collaboration.

Alberto Contador won the 2007 Tour de France, but it seems he is not bypassed by accusations. Several publications hinted out that his victory isn’t totally “clean,” as the Spanish cyclist has been linked with the famous doctor Eufemiano Fuentes.

The sports doctor is in the middle of a doping case dubbed “Operacion Puerto,” a scandal that led to his arrest back in 2006 and stained the reputation of renewed cyclists Jan Ullrich, Ivan Basso and Francisco Mancebo.