British cyclist David Millar hits out at Rabobank's 'sickening' decision to quit cycling The UCI, meanwhile, have issued a statement concluding with a personal tribute from president Pat McQuaid which, in contrast, praises Rabobank for changing the lives of numerous athletes over the years. The UCI statement read: "The UCI acknowledges the decision of Rabobank to withdraw from cycling after 17 years of involvement with the sport as principal sponsor of one of the best known teams of the peloton. In light of the difficult period, namely the high public interest in past doping issues and perhaps a more recent action taken by the UCI against a rider of the team.The UCI understands the context which has led to this decision being reached. Despite inevitable and sometimes painful consequences, the UCI reaffirms its commitment to the fight against doping and full transparency about potential anti-doping rule violations. The UCI wishes to express its gratitude to Rabobank for its important investment and support of women's and men's cycling, over almost two decades, as well as its decision to continue its support of the Cyclo-cross team, amateur cycling and youth training, which is important for the future of our sport. McQuaid then added his personal comment: "Cycling is grateful for the many years of successful partnership with Rabobank, which have been beneficial for all. Its involvement has changed the lives of numerous athletes who in turn have undoubtedly contributed to make Rabobank one of the most recognized brands in sport worldwide. The Rabobank team have accrued 23 Tour de France stage wins since their sponsorship began in 1996, most recently by Luis Leon Sanchez in Saint-Flour in 2011. However, Rabobank have experienced a number of doping scandals in the past. Thomas Dekker was banned for two years in 2009 after admitting doping in 2007, while they also threw Michael Rasmussen off the 2007 Tour - which he was then leading late in the third week - for failing to offer and adequate explanation for four missed tests. In the USADA report Levi Leipheimer confessed to using EPO while with the team, claiming he purchased it from an unidentified doctor and that a second Rabobank rider (Rider14 in his affidavit) was also using the Performance Enhancing drug. This week the UCI asked the Spanish Federation to investiage their rider Carlos Barredo after his biological passport reading were assessed as suspicious.