IOC to retest all doping samples from Beijing

The samples will be reopened and tested for CERA, a new generation of the endurance-enhancing hormone EPO. The substance boosts an athlete8217;s performance by increasing the number of oxygen-rich blood cells. Details of the testing procedure are under discussion with WADA, Moreau said.

The decision comes after a new test used by the French Anti-Doping Agency detected CERA during retesting of samples from Tour de France riders. The original urine tests had raised suspicions but proved inconclusive. 8220;It8217;s very good. It allows us to confound the cheaters,8221; Tour de France chief Christian Prudhomme said Tuesday.

IOC vice president Thomas Bach said Tuesday that the future of men8217;s road cycling in the Olympics could be threatened unless the sport cleans up its act. 8220;If the entire sport doesn8217;t pull together to improve the situation, 8220;then you have to consider giving men8217;s road cycling a pause8221; from Olympic participation, Bach said.