First Official Doping Case in Beijing Olympics Found


In the first official doping case of the Beijing Olympics, Spanish cyclist Maria Isabel Moreno was kicked out of the games on Monday after testing positive for EPO, a blood-boosting hormone that enhances endurance.

The International Olympic Committee spokeswoman, Giselle Davies, described what had happened.

"She was tested on 31 July, in the village, she was tested in the afternoon. She actually left China that evening before having had the results of her test. Her test has come back positive for EPO."

Moreno is the third-place finisher at the women's Giro in Italy in 2007. She cited an anxiety attack for her decision to return to Spain on the day of the drug test.

The IOC expelled Moreno from the games, revoked her accreditation and asked cycling's world governing body, the UCI, to follow up for any further sanctions.

Athletes found guilty of using EPO normally face a two-year ban.