July 16, 2008 (Lannemezan, France) — Moises Duenas (Barloworld) has tested positive for banned blood booster erythropoietin (EPO) reports AFP today. The 27-year-old Spanish cyclist apparently tested positive during the fourth stage, a 29.5 km time-trial at Cholet. This follows on the news that fellow Spaniard Manuel Beltran (Liquigas) also tested positive for EPO.

Duenas was suspended by his team before starting the 11th stage of the TdF and is now in police custody. He awaits the analysis of his B sample, which if also positive, will lead to being fired from the British-based Barloworld Team.

Duenas was in 19th position after the first ten stages, 6:43 behind race leader Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto). On his website, Duenas describes himself as the “invisible yet most prominent Spaniard of the Tour.”

For more on this story AFP and Moises Duenas website.