BERLIN, Feb 19, 2009 (AFP) – German cyclist Stefan Schumacher was on Thursday suspended from racing in France for two years for failing a Tour de France dope test in 2008, his lawyer said.

The decision was taken by French anti-doping agency AFLD, said Michael Lehner.

Schumacher said he would fight the ban.

“All I want is a fair hearing so that I can prove my innocence,” said Schumacher who won two stages of the 2008 Tour de France.

He tested positive for banned blood booster EPO Cera.

File Photo by: CorVos Pro