Australian cyclist gets 2-year ban for EPO import

CANBERRA, Australia (AP)—The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency says Cycling Australia has imposed a two-year ban on New South Wales state cyclist Jules Amos for the importation of erythropoietin (EPO).

ASADA said Friday that the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service intercepted five airmail packages from Thailand between Dec. 18 and Dec. 28 and notified the agency.

It investigated and laboratory analysis confirmed that the substance contained in vials was EPO, a naturally occurring hormone which promotes the formation of red blood cells in the body and helps to increase endurance.

Amos will be ineligible to compete until July 13, 2012.