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Australian cyclist Cadel Evans - Source: Reuters -
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Australian cyclist Cadel Evans has had a major problem just three days out from the start of the Tour de France, with Dutch cyclist and Silence team-mate Thomas Dekker ruled out after testing positive for the banned blood-booster EPO.
The sample was take in December 2007, but Silence said new procedures introduced since that time allowed for further tests which revealed a positive reading for the banned substance - alleged to boost the oxygen-rich blood cells in the blood, allowing athletes to work harder and for longer.
Dekker - who was scheduled to help two-time Tour de France runner-up Evans on the mountain stages of this year's race - now faces suspension from his team and a likely ban from the sport.
He will now be replaced with Briton Charles Wegelius.
Evans meanwhile is somewhat philosophical about the situation, telling reporters:
"These things happen. We've got a job to do on the tour and we'll concentrate on that."
The Tour de France starts on Sunday (NZT)
