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Schumacher receives two-year ban from cycling

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German cyclist Stefan Schumacher, who briefly led the overall classification of the 2008 Tour de France, was handed a two-year suspension by the International Cycling Union today for testing positive for banned drugs. His suspension will keep him out of the sport until Jan. 21, 2011.

Schumacher says he’s innocent on his website and plans to appeal the decision.

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French officials said Schumacher, 27, tested positive for the blood-enhancing drug, CERA, in samples taken before and after the race. His results were not revealed until months after the race.

Schumacher is one of five cyclists who are accused of using blood-boosting drugs during the event. Multiple-stage winner Ricardo Ricco and veteran cyclist Manuel Beltran were kicked out mid-race for testing positive for CERA. King of the Mountains jersey winner Bernhard Kohl and Leonardo Piepoli were also accused of testing positive for CERA.

-- Austin Knoblauch

Photo: Germany’s Stefan Schumacher competes on the 16th stage of the 2008 Tour de France. Credit: Christophe Ena / Associated Press

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