Frank Schleck fails drugs tests at Tour de France
Luxembourg rider Frank Schleck has failed a drugs test and will not continue in this year’s Tour de France.
The 32-year-old, who finished third in last year’s race, tested positive for the diuretic Xipamide on 14 July.
Schleck, the older brother of 2010 winner Andy, was 12th in the Tour’s overall standings, nine minutes and 45 seconds behind leader Bradley Wiggins.
He has the right to request a test of his B sample but his RadioShack team said he will leave the Tour.
“Earlier today, the UCI advised Frank Schleck of an adverse analytical finding (presence of the diuretic Xipamide) in the urine sample collected from him at an in-competition test at the Tour de France on 14 July 2012,” the International Cycling Union (UCI) said in a statement.
The diuretic is classified as a specified substance and does not require a provisional suspension.
Earlier in this year’s Tour, Cofidis suspended French rider Remy di Gregorio after learning that he may have tried to use banned substances.
The Tour de France has a history of doping allegations, with the latest controversy seeing seven-time winner Lance Armstrong formally charged with using performance-enhancing drugs by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
