MADRID (AP) The Movistar cycling team says Alejandro Marque will not be joining its squad following media reports the Spanish cyclist had tested positive for doping.
Movistar said in a statement Friday that it had verified "the facts" of the doping reports. It said Marque, who "was set to join Movistar Team's roster for the upcoming season, will not make part of the squad."
According to Spanish media reports, Marque tested positive for betametasona after winning the Portuguese Volta last August while racing for OFM-Quinta da Lixa team.
Marque said later on Friday that he had "authorization because he had a medical prescription" to take the substance.
"I haven't broken any rule," Marque said, according to Europa Press. "Both my team and the UCI were completely aware that I was using that substance."