PARIS, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Spaniard Manuel Beltran of the Liquigas team had tested positive for EPO on the Tour de France and was arrested by French police on Friday, announced organizers of Tour de France.

    Beltran's positive test, which is the first in this year's Tour, showed traces of the blood-boosting drug erythropoietin (EPO), the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) said.

Liquigas team rider Manuel Beltran of Spain is pictured during the team presentation for the 95th Tour de France cycling race in Brest July 3, 2008. Beltran was arrested by French police after it was announced he had tested positive for EPO on the Tour de France, authorities said on July 11, 2008. Picture taken July 3, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    He was 26th in the overall standings after Friday's seventh stage from Brioude to Aurillac.

    Liquigas team manager Roberto Amadio said the 37-year-old would be withdrawn from the race although having imposed that sanction the Italian team will carry on.

    "We are shocked and ready to take all the most severe measures if the 'B' sample comes back positive," Amadio was quoted as saying in a Liquigas statement.

    It added that Liquigas would sack Beltran from the team with immediate effect if the 'B' sample is returned positive.

Liquigas team manager Roberto Amadio of Italy speaks to the media after Liquigas team rider Manuel Beltran of Spain tested positive for blood-doping during the 95th Tour de France cycling race in The Rouget near Aurillac July 11, 2008. Beltran tested positive on the Tour de France according to race organisers on Friday. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>