Cyclist Paolini fails doping test

Fougres - Italian rider Luca Paolini failed a doping test at the Tour de France, his Katusha team said on Friday.

The 38-year-old tested positive for cocaine, which is not banned out of competition but is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of doping substances in competition.

Katusha spokesperson Philippe Mertens said the team had found out that Paolini had tested positive on Tuesday, after the fourth stage.

He has been removed from the Tour by his Russian team.