Spanish cyclist Fernandez suspended for doping

Nov 5, 2009 - 4:26 PM AIGLE, Switzerland(AP) -- The International Cycling Union has suspended Spanish rider Alberto Fernandez for testing positive for EPO.

The UCI said Thursday that the banned endurance-boosting hormone was found in a urine sample taken at Fernandez's home on Oct. 15.

The 25-year-old Fuji-Servetto rider was targeted for unannounced testing because of suspect results revealed in samples given for his personal biological passport.

Fernandez can request that his backup sample is tested for confirmation.

The UCI said it has asked the Spanish cycling federation to open a disciplinary case. Fernandez has been provisionally suspended until the federation rules on the case.