Lombard tests positive for EPO

Irish distance runner Cathal Lombard has tested positive for the banned drug EPO and is facing the axe from the Olympic team and a potential two-year suspension if found guilty.

Irish Olympic press attaché Jack MacGowran confirmed the Irish Sports Council had discovered the positive test and informed Athletics Ireland that Lombard, who was due to compete in the 5,000 metres and 10,000m in Athens, will appear before Irish federation officials on Monday.