The second sample provided by Spanish rider Manuel Beltran, who tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) during the Tour de France, has also tested positive for the blood booster, a source close to
the dossier said Tuesday.

The test on the second sample, known as the "B" sample, was carried out by French anti-doping agency AFLD which also tested the first sample back in July, the source, who does not want to be identified, told AFP.

The anti-doping agency is expected officially to announce the results of the testing on the "B" sample shortly.

Beltran, who rides for the Liquigas team, tested positive for EPO at the first stage of the Tour de France and was excluded from the race after the seventh stage on July 11. He was 26th in the overall standings at the time.

Liquigas said it would dismiss the 37-year-old immediately if a second sample also came back positive.