Frank Schleck withdrawn from Tour de France

Frank Schleck has been withdrawn from this year's Tour de France by team Radio-Shack Nissan after testing positive for a banned substance.

The 32-year-old, who finished third in last year's race, returned a positive verdict for the banned Xipamide with the Union Cycliste Internationale.

The UCI advised the Radio-Shack team to withdraw their rider although he does have the opportunity to request the analysis of his sample and potentially appeal the decision.

"The UCI is confident that his team will take the necessary steps to enable the Tour de France to continue in serenity," read a statement from the union earlier.

The Luxembourg driver was sitting in 12th place in the tour after 15 stages.