Saunier Duval suspend Mayo after positive test

MADRID, July 30 (Reuters) Saunier Duval have suspended Spanish rider Iban Mayo after a positive test for the banned blood-boosting drug erythropoietin (EPO) during the Tour de France, the Spanish team said in a statement today.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) told Saunier Duval Mayo failed the test on a rest day, on July 24. Mayo finished the race 16th overall.

''In line with the fight against doping that the team fully support, the rider is immediately suspended until the B sample has been tested,'' Saunier Duval said on their Web site www.saunierduvalteam.com.

''If that is confirmed as positive as well, we will proceed to rescind his contract.'' This year's Tour, which was won by Spain's Alberto Contador on Sunday, has been blighted by a series of doping scandals.

Pre-race favourite Alexander Vinokourov tested positive for blood doping following his victory in the Albi time trial and Michael Rasmussen was sacked by his Rabobank team while in the lead because he had lied about his training whereabouts.

The 29-year-old Mayo, who joined Saunier Duval from the Euskaltel Euskadi team last October, has frequently been tipped to shine in the Tour de France but has failed to live up to expectations.

He finished sixth in the Tour de France in 2003 and won Dauphine Libere race in 2004.

Reuters SAM VP0228