French cyclist Steve Houanard banned for failing drug test

French cyclist Steve Houanard has been suspended by the International Cycling Union (UCI) after testing positive for banned substance EPO.

Houanard, 26, tested positive from an out-of-competition sample he gave on September 21, 2012.

The French Cycling Federation are now compiling their own report and Houanard's ban will remain in place until this is completed.

The Ag2r-La Mondiale rider does, however, have the right to request and attend the analysis of a 'B' sample.