TIMELINE: Cycling-Major doping scandals in cycling

(Reuters) - Chronology of major doping scandals in cycling in recent years.

- - - -

1998 Tour de France

Festina medical team member Willy Voet is arrested at the French border before the start of the Tour after customs officers seized banned substances, including the blood-boosting drug erythropoietin (EPO).

Festina are kicked out of the race and their riders later admit to taking performance-enhancing drugs. Top rider Richard Virenque is banned for nine months, team director Bruno Roussel and Voet are fined and given suspended jail sentences.

- - - -

1999 Giro d'Italia

Tour and Giro champion Marco Pantani of Italy is expelled while leading race after failing a blood haematocrit test.

- - - -