A long stretching case concerning the irregularities in the biological passport of retired Leif Hoste, which were first reported on Cyclingquotes.com in January this year, came to an end in early November, while as it was announced today by Het Niewsblad, the Belgian rider has lost appeal against the ban.

Career of 36-year-old Hoste as a professional cyclist began in 1997 and lasted for 15 years. All of his greatest results the Belgian achieved in the mid-2000’s, for which should be regarded finishing the Tour of Flanders in 2nd place three times, finishing 3rd in the Tour of Belgium and 4th in both Paris - Rubaix and Eneco Tour. Last team for which he rode was Accent Jobs – Wanty (2012).

On every accasion, Hoste has denied the use of banned substances, and his attorneys argued that their client was innocent, while the results indicating irregular blood parameters were the result of an error made in the institution responsible for anti-doping control.

In November the cyclist faced the disciplinary commission of the Belgian Federation, where he has been adjudicated a fine of nearly 300,000 euro and sporting suspension. As it was announced today, the fine has been reduced now to 150,000 euro and a 2-year ban.

The second penalty does not appear to be particularly severe, given the fact that Hoste has retired from cycling with the beginning of 2013 year, after the team Accent Jobs - Wanty have decided not to extend his contract. This occurred shortly before UCI announced that it had asked the RLVB (Belgian National Cycling Federation) to instigate a disciplinary procedure against the Belgian rider for an apparent violation of the anti-doping rules, on the basis of information provided by the blood profile in his biological passport.

He can still appeal the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).