Sponsor Barloworld to quit after doping

By Julien Pretot

DIGNE LES BAINS, France (Reuters) - South African industrial group Barloworld will end their cycling team sponsorship after the Tour de France following a positive dope test by one of their riders on the three-week race.

"Barloworld today announced that after serious consideration and in accordance with their policy towards doping that they will be withdrawing their cycling sponsorship following the Tour de France 2008," the company said in a statement on Saturday.

The contract was due to expire in 2009. Barloworld, which represents leading international brands, said they would honour contractual obligations and that discussions were underway with replacement sponsors.

"Not only will we finish the 2008 season but we will go on with the 2009 season with the budget Barloworld had allowed to us," said team manager Claudio Corti.

"I don't know how the team will be named after the Tour de France -- maybe 'Claudio Corti'," he added with a smile.

POSITIVE TEST

Spaniard Moises Duenas Nevado tested positive for the blood-booster EPO after the fourth stage, a time trial in Cholet last week.

He was fired from the team, who are down to four men after the retirements of Baden Cooke, Felix Cardenas, Paolo Longo Borghini and Mauricio Soler.