The UCI statement said an analysis of the B sample confirmed the result of an adverse analytical finding notified by the anti-doping laboratory of Paris on July 26.

"In accordance to the anti-doping rules, the Anti-Doping Commission of the UCI will request that the USA Cycling Federation open a disciplinary procedure against the rider."

Spaniard Oscar Pereiro Sio, who finished second 57 seconds adrift of Landis in the overall standings, is now likely to be declared the winner of the race.

ASTOUNDING COMEBACK

Pereiro, who is due to give a news conference in Vigo at 1600 GMT, would then become the first Spaniard to win the Tour since Miguel Indurain's last victory in 1995.

Landis, 30, tested positive for testosterone after an astounding comeback in the last mountain stage of the world's greatest cycling race. It came just a day after a very poor performance which all but knocked him out of contention.

Landis now has 10 days to respond to the documents that are provided, according to U.S Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) rules.

Those documents, Landis's response and any documents USADA would provide will go to a review panel some time after the 10 days.

The review panel will make a recommendation whether or not there is a case. USADA, based on that recommendation, will then decide whether to charge Landis.

If USADA does charge the Phonak rider, he would have an opportunity to contest that decision and the recommended sanction before a U.S panel of judges.

Landis's lawyers could then take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and a long procedure would begin.

Testosterone speeds up recovery after exercise and generally improves stamina and strength. Last weekend Olympic 100 metres champion Justin Gatlin admitted he had tested positive for the same hormone.