GERMAN CYCLING FEDERATION CONFIRMS SCHUMACHER POSITIVE

The German Cycling Federation (BDR) has confirmed reports that Stefan Schumacher tested positive for banned blood-boosting drug CERA at this year's Tour de France.

Schumacher failed two retrospective blood tests carried out by the French anti-doping agency AFLD for blood-boosting drug Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator (CERA), a new form of EPO.

One sample was taken on July 3, just prior to this year?s Tour de France, and the other was taken during the event on July 15, where Schumacher won both time trial stages and wore the yellow leader?s jersey.

The BDR has now given Schumacher five days to request that his B samples are tested if he so wishes. Either way, the 27-year-old former Gerolsteiner rider is looking at the maximum two-year ban from competition and his cycling career is over.

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