Dutch ex-cyclist Michael Boogerd admits doping

Former professional cyclist Michael Boogerd, one of the Netherlands’ most popular riders, has admitted doping for a decade during his career.

Boogerd says he used the banned blood booster EPO, cortisone and, late in his career, blood transfusions.

The confession, in an interview with national broadcaster NOS being aired Wednesday, came after several reports linked the former Rabobank rider to doping practices.

The rider says “the period I used banned substances was from ‘97 to 2007, the end of my career.”

Boogerd, who retired in 2007, won the Amstel Gold classic in 1999, edging Lance Armstrong into second place, and had two stage wins in the Tour de France.

After his career, Boogerd became a regular cycling commentator for NOS.