SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain, Aug 4, 2009 (AFP) – Spanish cyclist Mikel Astarloza, who was suspended after he failed an out-of-competition doping test, said Tuesday he is certain he will be cleared of the allegations.

“I received a call from the UCI and I thought it was a joke. I was the first to be surprised because I know that I have done nothing wrong,” he told a news conference in the northern city of San Sebastian.

“If I had taken something I would have given the wrong address. I am completely certain of my innocence.”

The International Cycling Union (UCI) said on Friday they had informed Astarloza he had been suspended after he failed a doping test carried out before last month’s Tour de France.

Astarloza, who can call for an analysis of his B sample, won the 16th stage of the Tour de France and finished 11th in the overall standings.