Spanish cyclist Eladio Jimenez Sanchez has been provisionally banned by the UCI, after testing positive for the banned blood-booster EPO. A statement released today said that a Madrid laboratory turned up positive results for EPO in a sample that was taken on August 12th, after Sanchez won the sixth stage of the Volta a Portugal, where he also finished sixth overall. The 33-year-old has three times won stages at the Vuelta a Espana. He was supposed to be joining Rock Racing for the 2010 season, but now it is uncertain what will happen. “The provisional suspension of Mr. Jiménez Sanchez remains in force until a hearing panel convened by the Spanish cycling federation determines whether he has indeed committed an anti-doping rule violation under Article 21 of the UCI Anti-Doping Rules,” the UCI stated. “Mr. Jiménez Sanchez has the right to request and attend the analysis of his B sample.”

Via Velo News.