Embattled Danish cyclist Michael Rasmussen was told Saturday that he would not be welcome at the starting line of one of his country's biggest races.

Rasmussen, kicked out of the Tour de France when leading the race this week in a dispute over missed drugs tests, had intended to emulate cycling great Lance Armstrong by competing on the Decoplant Grand Prix which starts on Monday.

But race director Jesper Tikioeb told Saturday's Berlingske Tidende newspaper that Rasmussen should not attend.

"We've decided that Michael Rasmussen's participation in the Decoplant Grand Prix would constitute a handicap for the competition," Tikioeb said. "We want to affirm our commitment for a clean sport."

Rasmussen was ousted from the Tour de France after taking Wednesday's 16th stage, a win which he felt had left him in an unassailable position at the head of the overall standings.

He was later sacked by his team, Rabobank, who claimed he had lied to them about his whereabouts in June when he missed one of four random drug tests.

Rasmussen, who says he's consulted his lawyer over his firing, has vowed to continue his cycling career.