Garcia fails test for EPO

Spanish cyclist David Garcia tested positive for banned blood booster erythropoietin (EPO) at the 2010 Vuelta a Espana, in addition to failing another test during the race for hydroxyethyl starch, a substance used as a masking agent for EPO.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced on Wednesday that Garcia failed the test for EPO on a urine sample taken on September 13 during the Vuelta. A urine sample taken on September 16, also during the race, produced a positive test for hydroxyethyl starch.

Garcia's Xacobeo-Galicia team-mate Ezequiel Mosquera also tested positive for hydroxyethyl starch. Mosquera finished the Vuelta in second place behind winner Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas). Garcia placed 11th overall.

Both riders have been provisionally suspended by the UCI until the Spanish Cycling Federation assesses each case.

Garcia and Mosquera are two of five Spanish riders who have recently failed doping tests. Mountain biker Margarita Fullana failed a test for EPO and Tour de France winner Alberto Contador is currently suspended due to testing positive for clenbuterol during the race. Earlier in September, it was announced that Oscar Sevilla had failed a test for hydroxyethyl starch during the Tour of Colombia.

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