Saunier-Duval announces end of their cycling team sponsorship

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Saunier-Duval Ricardo Ricco tested positive for the blood-booster EPO last week. Photo: EFE

Saunier-Duval will end their cycling team sponsorship "at once" following the positive dope test of one of their riders on the three-week race, the company said on Wednesday.

The announcement takes place six days after Saunier-Duval rider Ricardo Ricco tested positive for the blood-booster EPO and the team withdrew from the race.

Thierry Leroy, president of the Saunier-Duval company, said: "I felt disappointment and cholera" adfter knowing of Ricco's positive test.

Barloworld announced last Saturday 19th "that after serious consideration and in accordance with their policy towards doping" they would be withdrawing their cycling sponsorship following the Tour de France 2008, following the positive test for EPO of their rider Moises Dueñas.