Duval tests positive, provisionally suspended

French cyclist Aurélien Duval (Française des Jeux) failed an anti-doping test for norfenfluramine October 1 at the Franco-Belge stage race, the International Cycling Union (UCI) announced today. It provisionally suspended Duval.

"Riders are warned, they know the consequences of their actions," Marc Madiot, Française des Jeux team manager, told L'Equipe.

Norfenfluramine is a banned drug that acts as an appetite suppressant. Italian Marta Bastianelli tested positive for the drug in July 2008. She's serving a two-year suspension.

Duval, 21, won the silver medal at the 2008 Under 23 Cyclo-Cross World Championships in Treviso, Italy. He has missed most of this road season due to a swollen ligament.

A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory in Gent, Belgium, preformed the analysis of Duval's urine sample.   Duval has the right to ask for a counter-analysis of the sample.

Duval's provisional suspension remains in force until a French Cycling Federation (FFC) disciplinarily panel meets and rules on the case.