Iban Mayo’s B sample from the Tour de France, where he tested non-negative for EPO, was opened yesterday in the University of Gent, Belgium in the presence of a specialist, at the Saunier Duval rider’s request. It will take the laboratory three days before the result is known, with an announcement expected by Friday.

Mayo, who was tested non-negative to EPO on the second rest day of the Tour de France, could be penalised with a sanction of two years if found guilty of doping. Such a sanction could draw the Basque rider’s career to a premature end, having celebrated his 30th birthday on Sunday.

After some bad seasons with his home team, Euskaltel-Euskadi, Mayo changed to Saunier Duval and won a stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia. Since being informed of his non-negative test from his July 24 sample, Mayo has not spoken to any media, instead choosing to stay at home with his family while he waits for the B sample result.