Cycling: Cyclist quits after positive test

(AP News) - Belgian world champion mountain biker Filip Meirhaeghe, a favourite for next month's Athens Olympics, has called it a day after testing positive for drugs.

The 33-year-old admitted today he had used the blood-boosting substance EPO (erythropoietin) last month. A silver-medallist at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Meirhaeghe said he had tested positive two days before a World Cup race which he won on June 27 in Quebec.

"I took EPO for the first time in my career seven weeks ago during a training camp in Austria. I absolutely did not want to fail at the Olympics, which were my ultimate goal," he said.

"As soon as I hear the positive result I knew it was the end of my career."

Meirhaeghe was suspended four years ago when his red blood cell count was higher than normal - a sign riders might be using EPO.

Originally posted by TRD

"I took EPO for the first time in my career seven weeks ago during a training camp in Austria.
Meirhaeghe was suspended four years ago when his red blood cell count was higher than normal - a sign riders might be using EPO.

First time ever, huh?