Tour leader tests positive for salbutamol

Igor Gonzalez Galdeano, who has led the Tour de France for the last six stages, has tested positive for the restricted substance salbutamol.

The UCI, world cycling's governing body, said Galdeano has "the necessary justifications" to take the substance, Sudres said.

Traces of salbutamol were found in a test at the end of the stage from Forges-les-Eaux to Alencon on July 12, according to Tour spokesman Philippe Sudres.

It was not immediately possible to contact the spokesman for Galdeano's Once team.

Salbutamol, which is taken to treat asthma, is banned unless athletes have a medical prescription for its use.

The Tour's deputy director, Daniel Baal added the UCI "has long had a medical justification for this rider" to use salbutamol.