French court rejects cyclist Stefan Schumacher's appeal of 2-year ban for doping

PARIS - The Council of State, France's highest administrative body, rejected on Wednesday German cyclist Stefan Schumacher's appeal of his two-year doping ban.

Schumacher tested positive for CERA, an advanced form of the blood-booster EPO, after the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) retested samples from the 2008 Tour de France.

Schumacher, who won two time trials and wore the leader's yellow jersey at the 2008 Tour, argued that the retroactive procedure was not approved at the time of retesting.

In February, the AFLD banned Schumacher from racing in France for two years, with the International Cycling Union following with a worldwide ban until Jan. 21, 2011.

Schumacher is appealing his worldwide ban with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

Schumacher also tested positive for CERA when samples from the 2008 Beijing Olympics were retested.