Copenhagen  - Denmark's Michael Rasmussen hopes to return to cycling's elite after serving his two-year ban for doping even at the ripe old age of 35.

Rasmussen, who was kicked out of the 2007 Tour while leading after lying about his whereabouts in connection with doping tests, finished second in the Designa Grandprix in Kjellerup on Monday on his return to competition since his ban expired on Saturday.

"I hope that this week will make who I'll sign for," said Rasmussen.

Following his ejection from the Tour, Rasmussen was subsequently fired by his Rabobank team but won damages totalling in the region of 1 million dollars after winning a case in a Dutch court for unfair dismissal.

Rasmussen hopes to find a team in time to compete in the Vuelta a Espana. (dpa)