You're reading: Russian cyclist Galimzyanov admits to doping

PARIS (Reuters) - Denis Galimzyanov has admitted to doping after testing positive for the banned blood booster erythropoietin (EPO), the Russian rider said in a letter to his Katusha team on April 17.

Galimzyanov, Russia’s top sprinter, failed an out-of-competition test last month and he could now face a two-year ban from the sport.

He was provisionally suspended by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on Monday and now looks set to miss the Olympic Games in London.

"I recognize a fact of banned substance usage," he said in a letter published by Katusha.

"I would like to draw A PARTICULAR ATTENTION for that fact that Katusha Team has nothing to do with what happened. No team member knew and could know about what I did. It was my personal decision and my responsibility.

"I refuse from my right to request and attend the analysis of my B sample," he added.

According to team rules, Galimzyanov is now expected to be fired by Katusha.