VIENNA, July 1, 2010 – Austrian cyclists Michael Knopf, Josef Kugler and Hannes Gruendlinger have been banned from taking part in this year’s Tour of Austria for doping, the national cycling association announced Thursday.

The decision comes after the Austrian anti-doping agency NADA said it was investigating the three athletes on suspicion of doping.

Although the three cyclists still have time to respond to the allegations and NADA has not imposed any suspensions, the organizers decided to ban them from this year’s Tour “in the interest of and to safeguard doping-free cycling,” the cycling association said.

The Tour of Austria takes place from July 4 to 11.

Article:AFP