Danish cyclist Bo Hamburger's lifetime ban from the national team has been revoked by the Denmark Sports Federation.

Hamburger, who has denied ever using any banned substances, was the first rider to test positive for EPO under a new system introduced by the International Cycling Union in April 2001.

But the following August he was acquitted by the DSF because of doubts about the outcome of his samples.

Despite this, he was banned for life by the Danish Cycling Union.

However, the DSF appeals board has ruled that the DCU's ban is invalid.

The 32-year-old Hamburger welcomed the decision and said he hoped to qualify for the national team in time for the World Cup in Canada in October.

"It has not been proven that I was guilty of doping," said the former CSC Tiscali rider.

DCU president Peder Pedersen confirmed that if Hamburger qualifies at the Danish championships in June, he could expect a spot on the team.