Team Sky have said that they carried out checks on the Dutch doctor they employed and whose name has appeared in the Lance Armstrong doping controversy.

Geert Leinders was with the team until last week and a spokesman said on Sunday: "Dr Leinders worked with Team Sky on a freelance basis and his contract has now ended.

"This summer, as promised, we looked fully into his work with us, interviewed him and talked to riders and the full medical team. We had no doubts about his work with us or his approach. Before employing him we also made checks, gathered references and he was interviewed by [the sports psychiatrist] Dr Steve Peters.

"Over the summer we have added to the medical team, using staff from outside cycling, and we continually look for the best ways to work and to support our riders."

The former Team Sky member Michael Barry was one of 11 riders who gave evidence against Armstrong to the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

The 26-year-old American was at the US Postal Service team from 2002 to 2006. Since 2010 he rode for Team Sky before announcing his retirement this year but Team Sky's spokesman continued: "We have had no doubts about Michael being clean during his time at Team Sky. We are a clean team and we have shown that you can win clean.

"Michael has retired after 14 years as a professional cyclist. His final race was last month and he is no longer with Team Sky.

"Though we are saddened by the revelations about Michael's early career, he is doing the right thing by admitting to his past and helping the sport to a clean future."