MADRID - 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 on Monday.

Spanish climbing specialist Iban Mayo, seen here 06 July 2007, became the latest rider to fail a drugs test after it was revealed he had tested positive for EPO during the Tour de France, it was announced by his Saunier Duval team on Monday. [AFP]

The International Cycling Union (UCI) told Saunier Duval Mayo failed the test on the July 24 rest day. 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."

The sports director of the Pro Tour team Josean Fernandez "Matxin" told the Europa Press news agency: "It's an unpleasant surprise. He has never been a rider under suspicion, in fact he is completely the opposite.

"He has always passed the UCI's tests and the internal controls. It's bad news."

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.

Mayo, 29, 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.